Frontline Adamawa APC Governorship Aspirant Salihu Withdraws from Race Over Order From Abuja

A leading All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) governorship aspirant in Adamawa State, Mustapha Salihu, has withdrawn from the 2027 governorship race following what his campaign described as a directive from the party’s national leadership.

The development was announced on Wednesday night, surprising political observers who had previously considered Salihu one of the frontrunners in the race.

In a statement issued by the Comrade Mustapha Salihu Campaign Organization and signed by its Head of Strategic Communication, Ahmad Sajoh, the withdrawal was attributed to instructions from APC leadership at the national level.

According to the statement, Salihu has stepped down from the governorship primary and will now contest for the Adamawa Central Senatorial seat instead.

The announcement effectively reshapes the APC primaries in the state, where internal negotiations and zoning arrangements have continued to influence candidate emergence ahead of the 2027 elections.

Political stakeholders noted that the shift may be linked to broader party strategies aimed at balancing interests across senatorial districts within Adamawa State.

Salihu was previously seen as a strong contender in the governorship race, reportedly enjoying backing from political actors within and outside the state structure.

However, his exit opens the field for other aspirants, including Ahmed Galadima, who is now expected to benefit from the realignment within the party.

Analysts also point to competing influence blocs within the APC, including figures aligned with Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and the camp associated with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, as part of the underlying political dynamics shaping the primaries.

The development adds to a growing list of strategic withdrawals and consensus arrangements across several states as the APC continues preparations for its governorship primaries nationwide.