Development economist and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Adamawa State, Dr. Maurice Vunobolki, has dismissed suggestions that political heavyweights, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, would determine who succeeds Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri in the 2027 governorship election.

Speaking with The Guardian, Vunobolki said Adamawa voters have a history of resisting political godfatherism and would once again decide the outcome of the February 6, 2027, governorship election based on the candidates’ credentials and performance rather than political influence.

He maintained that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains well-positioned to retain power in the state despite the expected involvement of influential political figures backing candidates in rival parties.

According to him, the fact that Atiku is expected to feature in the 2027 presidential race, while Ribadu may support the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, would not sway the electorate.
“Adamawa voters have consistently demonstrated that they cannot be dictated to by political godfathers. I do not have a godfather, just as Governor Ahmadu Fintiri did not have one when he emerged in 2019,” he said.

Vunobolki argued that Fintiri’s electoral victory in 2019, despite opposition from sections of the political elite, showed that the people of Adamawa ultimately determine who governs them.

“When Governor Fintiri contested in 2019, he faced considerable resistance from the political elite, but the masses voted for him. That shows Adamawa is not governed by godfatherism. The people want transparent elections, not imposition,” he stated.

The PDP chieftain also dismissed claims that Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed (Binani) would have become governor in 2023, insisting that she stood little chance of defeating the incumbent even with the support of the then Federal Government under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Reflecting on his political journey, Vunobolki said he returned to the APC after internal disagreements within the PDP over what he described as the imposition of candidates.

He recalled that while seeking the APC senatorial ticket in 2019, he purchased nomination forms, campaigned extensively, and prepared for the primary election, only to be informed on the day of the exercise that serving senators had been granted automatic tickets.

“We were surprised because we were allowed to buy forms and campaign, only to be told on the day of the election that automatic tickets had been given to serving senators. That was difficult to accept,” he said.

Vunobolki said the outcome of the 2027 governorship election would be determined by prevailing socio-economic realities and the performance of the current administration rather than endorsements from political power brokers.

He expressed confidence that voters would once again demonstrate their independence, citing the recent local government elections in which the PDP won all 17 local government councils in the state.

According to him, the results reflected the electorate’s desire to support leaders they can hold accountable for governance and development.