The social media platforms and groups have been buzzing ever since former Inspector-General of police, Mohammed Adamu, declared his gubernatorial ambition.
One of those discussing the issue is Suanu Prince Pyagbara @official_suanu on his thread handle.
He asked rhetorically: “Do you remember Mohammed Adamu? Well, he is a former inspector-general of police. The update about him is that he has officially declared his intention to contest in the 2027 gubernatorial election in Nasarawa State under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform. It’s like nobody is non-partisan again. All of them are either open or silent members of the ruling party.”
Suanu naturally got responses to his comment. Some of the comments are shared below.
Omoh.sa said: “What’s wrong with service men running for political posts after retirement? Same things happen everywhere? Why must we mix emotions and prejudice when it comes to Nigerian politics?”
READ ALSO: X-Raying Years Of Service, Retirement Of Five Top Ex-Nigerian IGPs
Solaayangbile has this to say: “Lots of people on social media are so biased and no longer realistic. What’s wrong with him having political ambition? Obasanjo, Buhari were ex-generals, Yaradua, Goodluck were lecturers, Obi is a businessman, Atiku is ex-customs. Please let’s keep our mouths shut if we have no rational argument for or against things. Mr Adamu, you have the right to be president. Your party is your choice.”
@princesonnyo opines: “Many folks in the American Congress are ex-service men and women. In some states, their endorsement is automatic. The first president of America, George Washington, was a general.”
Anthony. Enwere said, “Ss IG, he made lots of money from his last post. Contesting for governorship elections in Nigeria is not for honest retired civil servants.”
@babajiderunsewe asked: “What was his impact as an IGP? A lukewarm person who can’t talk. And who is bankrolling him?”
@habila513 seems to have a shocker awaiting Adamu in Nasarawa State.
His nebulous words are: “Thank God he has declared openly! We will now see how he will campaign in Nasarawa.”
Igwe.de74 chirps in: “The truth is that, even when in service, nobody will claim non-partisan, they support whomever they wish in their way. Talk less when money is involved; they collect lots of money to help decide the winner.”
Another trending article on social media and news platforms, on the now popular Mohammed Adamu, who currently seems to be like the newest bride in town, stated thus: “The former IGP reportedly declared his intention recently during a meeting with the members of the state working committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lafia, the state capital.
“Mr Adamu’s declaration comes at a time when public expectations for transparency, accountability, and good morality in leadership are high. However, a review of his career trajectory and controversies during and after his service years raises questions that may influence the political prospects of the former police boss.
“Mohammed Adamu, who served as Nigeria’s 20th inspector general of police from January 2019 to April 2021, was appointed by former president Muhammadu Buhari. Before he was appointed the IGP, Mr Adamu had an extensive career in law enforcement, including international experience at Interpol headquarters in Lyon, France, where he served in various leadership capacities.
“Adamu’s tenure as IGP coincided with some of the most challenging periods in Nigeria’s recent history, notably the # Endsars protests in October 2020. The demonstrations, driven by widespread allegations of police brutality, culminated in nationwide unrest.
“While multiple accounts reported fatalities among protesters and security personnel, there remains no official, independently verified data on the actual number of casualties. The security response during these protests continues to generate public debate, with critics questioning the leadership and accountability mechanisms under Adamu’s command.
“It was also under Adamu’s watch that security lapses were recorded nationwide during the COVID-19-induced lockdown, as crimes surged very high. Further scrutiny also came in the form of a 2019 report by the auditor-general of the federation, which cited the disappearance of at least 3,907 firearms from police armouries under Adamu’s watch. The report indicated that these weapons remained unaccounted for as of January 2020.
“While the circumstances surrounding the missing firearms were not directly linked to Adamu personally, the report raised concerns about systemic lapses in police asset management during his leadership.
“Personal controversies have also surfaced around Adamu’s private life as reports from multiple sources allege that soon after he was appointed as the IGP, he divorced his four wives, including Hajia Fatima Adamu, then president of the police officers’ wives association (POWA).
“He is now reportedly married to a socialite, Taiwo Kanley, popularly known as Lady Gucci, whose relationship with the former police chief attracted public attention. While such personal matters are generally regarded as private, in conservative regions like Nasarawa State, public perceptions of a candidate’s lifestyle can carry political implications.
“Despite these controversies, Adamu was honoured with the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) award by President Buhari in October 2022, recognising his contributions to the Nigerian police force and international policing cooperation.
“Although Adamu has maintained a relatively low profile, reportedly focusing on farming enterprises between Abuja and Nasarawa, his official declaration to seek the elective position in 2027 is raising concerns among stakeholders who question his ethical and moral uprightness.
“Party insiders suggest that while Adamu commands respect for his long-standing career in law enforcement, internal party politics, public sentiment over his past actions, and evolving standards for leadership accountability may pose significant hurdles in his bid for the governorship.
“Political observers note that the next few years will be crucial for Adamu to rebuild public trust, articulate a clear vision for Nasarawa State, address lingering concerns about his leadership legacy and clarify grey areas on his personal affairs that are now of public interest.
“Indications are rife that as the race to 2027 is beginning to take shape, Mohammed Adamu’s candidacy will likely continue to provoke both scrutiny and debate among voters, party members, and political analysts alike.”
