Fintiri’s Next Two Years in Power

On May 29, 2025, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri will mark two years into his second term, bringing his total time in office as Governor of Adamawa State to six years.

Listing his landmark achievements and milestones may seem ordinary to the people of Adamawa and many Nigerians because these accomplishments are well-known and visible.

Furthermore , telling people that Fintiri is a goal-getter or a successful achiever is no longer news; it’s widely acknowledged.

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However, the next two years of Fintiri’s administration present a fresh perspective: what should people expect in terms of socioeconomic and sociopolitical development?

In Nigeria, the final years of an administration are often overshadowed by politics. Yet, Fintiri has demonstrated the wisdom of separating governance from politicking. He has managed to accommodate both without compromising developmental priorities. During his first term, even amid politically tense periods during the electioneering moments of the 2023 elections, he remained focused on socioeconomic development. This quality cannot be taken away from him.

In the piece ‘The Fintiri Aura,’ what Dr. Edgar Amos Sunday wrote was not propaganda or praise-singing, but rather the truth , that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri is a visionary, courageous, and resourceful leader whose strong presence, inclusive governance, and transformative initiatives have significantly reshaped Adamawa State’s political and developmental landscape. In his rejoinder to Dr. Edgar, Dr. Umar Ardo just twisted what it is to what his heart wants.

The next two years of Fintiri’s administration will witness further growth in both socioeconomic and sociopolitical areas. We can expect continued maintenance and upgrading of both new and existing healthcare facilities. The Specialists Hospital Yola was upgraded and provided with MRI, CT scans and other healthcare equipment, including the biggest laboratory complex in Nigeria. The 21 model nursery, primary, and junior secondary schools, one in each of the 21 local government areas, and the three comprehensive science secondary schools will be completed. There will also be ongoing improvements to older schools, construction of new ones, and more investment in teacher development.

The 1,000-unit housing project will be completed, and new, futuristic housing policies will be introduced. The administration’s agricultural policy, particularly the food security program involving 300 hectares of development in each LGA, with youth participation and empowerment at its core, will be sustained and expanded.

We can also expect the construction of new superhighways, bridges, and rural roads throughout the state; the expansion of youth and women empowerment initiatives; and employment generation through programmes like PAWECA. Fintiri’s administration has implemented one of the most successful and robust security strategies in Nigeria; this will continue.

The Jimeta-Yola citification project will witness more flyovers, underpasses, and overpasses; new superhighways, shopping malls, and markets; the completion of the Jimeta Shopping Complex; the new Jimeta stadium; world-class healthcare infrastructure; improved water supply systems; security; sports and more engagements of youth and women in governance .

Fintiri is a man in his own class; when you expect him in the ‘West’, not only is he in the ‘West’, he’s in the ‘West-west’; he surprises you by going beyond expectations. When his adversaries hope he will retreat, he draws more strength instead and does what needs to be done. When they try to deter or intimidate him, he becomes more resolute and makes bold, people-orientated decisions. A typical example are his bold and thoughtful policies, programs and projects, including giving first priority to development than petty politics , moves that have brought satisfaction and stability, including affirming that, with little resources, people’s lives will be touched.

The next two years ( 2026-2027) will also come with heightened and intensified political manoeuvring; that’s a fact. As the 2027 gubernatorial race approaches, various actors are already making their moves and playing their cards; some subtly, others more brazenly. Alignments are shifting, ambitions are being whispered in closed circles, and the air is thick with speculation. Yet, amidst the noise and movement, Governor Fintiri remains calm and calculated. His focus on governance remains unwavering, as he continues to prioritise delivery over distraction.

True to his style, Fintiri is a smooth operator. He allows the political theatre to unfold around him, quietly observing, taking notes, and choosing his moments with care. He doesn’t rush. He doesn’t bluster. But when he takes his shot, it’s deliberate, and it lands with surgical precision. His political instincts are sharp, and his ability to stay steps ahead of the game is what sets him apart. Politically, one underestimates Fintiri at their own peril. He smartly plays the long game, and more often than not, he wins it.