ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Adamawa State, Dr Maurice Vunobolki, has dismissed suggestions that political godfathers will determine the outcome of the 2027 governorship election, insisting that voters in the state have consistently demonstrated their independence at the ballot box.
Speaking against the backdrop of growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 polls, Vunobolki also explained his decision to dump the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and return to the PDP, saying he left the party to avoid candidate imposition and because of his confidence that Adamawa people reject political godfatherism.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Sunday, the PDP flagbearer said provisions of the Electoral Act, which prevent aspirants from switching political parties after purchasing nomination forms, also influenced his decision to return to the opposition party.
Recalling previous elections in the state, Vunobolki argued that prominent political figures had repeatedly failed to secure victory in Adamawa despite their influence, proving that voters make independent decisions.
“In 2014, during the lead-up to the 2015 General Election, you realise that when Atiku Abubakar contested against Muhammadu Buhari and Rabiu Kwankwaso in the APC presidential primary, Kwankwaso won Adamawa State against Atiku Abubakar because the Adamawa voters believe that they’re independent people, so they don’t believe in any godfatherism.
“In fact, Kwankwaso won Kano and Adamawa State. And Waziri, who is from Adamawa State, lost the votes of Adamawa delegates. The same thing, you realise also that Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the NSA too, was a candidate of the PDP in Adamawa State in 2015, he also lost.
He also tried, like, two times again, to run for the primary nomination, he lost those nominations. So, godfathers don’t have their way in Adamawa State,” he said.
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Vunobolki expressed confidence that the PDP would retain control of Adamawa State in the 2027 governorship election, attributing his optimism to what he described as the impressive performance of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s administration.
According to him, the governor’s achievements are a reflection of his vision, competence and political independence.
He said the manner in which the APC governorship ticket was being handled further justified his decision to return to the PDP, noting that he had escaped another round of candidate imposition.
The PDP candidate maintained that Adamawa voters would not abandon what he described as the developmental gains recorded under Governor Fintiri in favour of any politically sponsored candidate.
He added that his lack of political godfathers would strengthen his acceptability among the electorate.
“Adamawa people know that I don’t have a godfather. They know that I’ve been going around. I recently just went around to campaign with my local government candidates, PDP candidates, across the state. No political party did that during the buildup to the local government elections,” Vunobolki stated.
He also commended Governor Fintiri’s approach to tackling insecurity in the state, saying the administration’s collaboration with hunters and community vigilantes had helped reduce security threats in several communities.
Looking beyond the governorship contest, Vunobolki dismissed claims that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform would have a decisive impact on the Adamawa governorship election.
He argued that previous electoral defeats suffered in the state by both Atiku Abubakar and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu clearly demonstrated that political influence or high-profile endorsements do not automatically translate into electoral victory in Adamawa.