Mubi federal constituency election: May the people make good choice

In the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), no less than 10 politicians have so far indicated or expressed their intentions for the seat. These are Alhaji Abdulrahaman Shuibu, the incumbent Adamawa State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Alhaji Abdulrahama Kwacham, a youthful grassroots politician from Mubi, Mrs Hanatu Kadala, the incumbent Adamawa State Commissioner in-charge-of Rural […]

In the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), no less than 10 politicians have so far indicated or expressed their intentions for the seat. These are Alhaji Abdulrahaman Shuibu, the incumbent Adamawa State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Alhaji Abdulrahama Kwacham, a youthful grassroots politician from Mubi, Mrs Hanatu Kadala, the incumbent Adamawa State Commissioner in-charge-of Rural Development, Mr Kevin Peters, a one-time chairman of Mubi-South local government area.

Similarly, the opposition party, Action Congress (AC), would not doubt field a candidate. So far two names are on top, and they are: a one-time Permanent Secretary of the state’s Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Joshua Atiku, and a flamboyant politician, one-time Commissioner for Finance under the Boni Haruna administration, Mr John Elias. The election is hopefully taking place next month.

The politics of the Mubi-North, Mubu-South and Maiha federal constituency is affected by so many factors that are usually taken into consideration. One of the factors that would rear its ugly head in the current permutation of the impending election is the question of “where does the candidate come from.” From the survey and investigations undertaken by this writer, certain candidates will not come near the game primarily because of where hail from.

Now, the candidates that have so far indicated interest to vie for the seat in both the PDP and the AC are by all means giants in their own making. They have imprinted their names in the political history of the constituency and the entire state.

Alhaji Abdulrahama Shuaibu, the present Commissioner of Land and Survey, is a quintessential public servant, having made his mark in the private sector. He was a one-time Managing Director of Frienchies in Lagos. During his stay at the company, he laid a solid foundation for the eventual success of the company by turning the fortunes of the company.

Alhaji Abdulrahama Kwacham is an erudite youthful politician. He entered the murky waters of politics at a relatively young age. He was the Coordinator of Buba Marwa’s campaign during the days of campaign for nomination and later primaries for the candidate that would carry the flag of the PDP as its Presidential Candidate. Also, he once went for councillorship position to represent his ward in Mubi under the National Republican Convention (NRC). He has the support of the youths of Mubi because of his charm and approach.

Mrs Hannatu Kadala was a women mobilizer and a trail blazer. She assiduously worked for the success of the PDP while still in public service in the election of 2007 and the re-run election of 2008. In fact, she is a woman that usually springs surprises for any party she allies herself with during elections. Because of her efforts in the election that saw the emergence of Murtala Nyako as governor, she was given a portfolio as commissioner.

Mr Kelvin Peters is a politician that plays his politics at the grassroots as he was elected twice as chairman of Mubi-South local government during the reign of Boni Haruna as governor of Adamawa State. This is the third time that he is occupying the exalted seat of chairman.

Mr Joshua Atiku was a seasoned bureaucrat and a tested public administrator, who rose to the position of Permanent Secretary in the service of the former Gongola (now Adamawa State) before retiring. He can be described as a dark-horse in the art of politicking. One thing going for him is the tremendous respect he has earned from his people because of what he has done to them in the course of his official duties.

Mr John Elias has a political background and he has firmly rooted his name in the political history of the constituency when he served as commissioner under the administration of former Governor Boni Haruna. He is a force to reckon with in the political equation of the area and has a large followership.

No matter what, the race for the seat of Mubi-South, Mubi-North and Maiha federal constituency would be between two main political parties in Adamawa State—PDP and AC. The gladiators have geared up and are going round selling their manifestoes and programmes to their teeming supporters before the primaries and subsequently the election.

May God give the people the wisdom to make a good choice. Amen!

Santuraki wrote from 74, Tafida Street, Jimeta-Yola