Bama’s restoration hope: Why ABAM deserves the ADC ticket

Bama’s Restoration Hope: Why ABAM Deserves the ADC Ticket

By Muhammad Zanna Yakubu

As the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primaries approach, one name continues to resonate across Bama, Abba Bukar Abba Masta (ABAM). Running for the Bama central State House of Assembly on the mantra of the Bama Restoration and Revival Agenda, ABAM embodies the mix of personal sacrifice, grassroots credibility, political clarity and administrative discipline that the constituency needs at this defining moment.

ABAM’s commitment to the well-being of his people is not new. Long before campaigns and slogans, he was present in the everyday struggles of Bama, mobilising relief for displaced families, amplifying the voices of youth and women, mediating local disputes and standing with communities through seasons of loss and recovery. His interventions have consistently focused on dignity, livelihoods and a return to normalcy in a land that has endured too much.

That resilience is deeply personal. ABAM is a survivor of the insurgency that has scarred Borno since the Boko Haram crisis began. He lost his father, a revered community leader, his brother and other loved ones to the violence. Rather than retreat, the pain sharpened his purpose to serve, to rebuild and to protect. This moral authority forged in loss and anchored in hope, makes his restoration agenda a lived mission rather than a campaign line.

Within the ADC, ABAM has led the charge to build the party’s footprint in the state and especially in his constituency. He has toured wards, knocked on doors, sat with farmers and traders in markets and interfaced with traditional rulers, faith leaders, youth groups and women’s cooperatives. His membership drive is vigorous and sincere, aimed at positioning the ADC as a credible, people-centred alternative. The result is visible, a growing base, energised volunteers and a message that speaks to Bama’s realities.

It is imperative that the special qualities that set him apart is stressed for the benefit of everybody. One of such qualities is his Empathy with experience. He understands displacement, loss and recovery firsthand and translates that into policies that prioritise people. ABAM also possesses a grassroots network. Years of community work gives him unmatched access to polling units, opinion leaders and everyday voters. He is also a man of integrity and transparency. A reputation for keeping promises and accounting for resources critical in rebuilding public trust.

ABAM is a team-builder, he listens, delegates and empowers young people and women, building a campaign structure that looks like the constituency it seeks to serve. It is also worthy to stress that he is a bridge-builder, able to work across party, ethnic and religious lines, easing tensions and forging consensus on development priorities.

Furthermore, he is Results focused. He measures success by schools reopened, clinics stocked, markets revived and youths engaged, not by rhetoric.

The Bama central constituency stands to gain if ABAM flies the ADC flag especially in the area of transparent representation which will witness quarterly town-halls, published constituency reports, and a service desk that tracks petitions, ensuring Bama’s voice is heard and counted in the House.

As party members and stakeholders weigh their choices, the case for ABAM is clear. He has borne the cost of this crisis and chosen service over bitterness. He has earned trust across communities and built the party where it matters most on the ground. He is disciplined, accessible and tested.

This is a call for total support from the people of Bama, stakeholders and the ADC party leadership to rally behind ABAM to fly the party’s flag. With the ticket, he has the quality, the grassroots network and the broad appeal to win, not just the primary, but the general election, including against the ruling party’s candidate. Bama deserves restoration. ABAM is ready to lead it.

Muhammad Zanna Yakubu, writes from the Department of Biochemistry, University of Maiduguri.