Ahmadu Fintiri, governor of Adamawa, says he will soon announce his preferred successor ahead of the next year’s governorship election in the state.
Fintiri spoke in Yola, the state capital, on Monday while receiving one of the aspirants for the position in his office.
“I also have my right also to appoint and anoint my candidate. And I’m looking at all the variables, and by next week I will meet my candidate now,” he said.
The governor said consultations are ongoing, adding that the state structure would be mobilised to support his choice.
“We will go all out with God on our side, with the government structure all of us put on, with our sleeves rolled up, and we will vote for that candidate because it is the state that we want to salvage,” he said.
“I know the pulse of the state. I know what they feel. I know what they are telling me. And I know who they want to succeed me.
“That does not mean we are foreclosing our doors. If you still feel you are man enough, bold enough, if you are good enough, you are well exposed, to go into the ring, you are welcome.”
Fintiri said fairness and loyalty would guide the process, noting that it remains open to other aspirants.
“We will walk with the trajectory to ensure that as much as we are working for fairness, we are also working for loyalty,” he said.
“Anybody who puts pain on my people, I will fight them. At this moment, I will make my decisions as the governor of the state to ensure that the best succeed me.
“Not even at the threat of being persecuted. I’m fully prepared to put my life and my blood for this state to succeed.”
