The Political guru: Gov. Buni recaptures Adamawa, strengthens APC dominance

The Political Guru: Gov Buni recaptures Adamawa, strengthens APC dominance

By Hussaini Ibrahim

By all political calculations, the All Progressives Congress’ decision to assign its Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation to Governor Mai Mala Buni was neither accidental nor routine. It reflects deliberate foresight at a defining moment in the party’s trajectory.

In the eyes of political observers, Buni represents a rare combination of calm authority, deep political intelligence and strategic foresight in contemporary Nigerian politics.

As of 2026, the APC holds governorships in 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states, giving it a strong but not overwhelming federal footprint as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. By contrast, opposition parties — particularly the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the newer African Democratic Congress (ADC) — control the remaining 6 states between them.

Among those opposition-held states, Adamawa stands out for its unique political significance. It is the home state of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who remains a central figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics. More recently, the ADC, under Atiku’s influence, has gained traction in several regions, including the northeast, positioning itself as a formidable alternative to the traditional two-party dynamic.

For the APC, winning or even softening opposition hold in states like Adamawa could reshape political momentum ahead of 2027 — not merely in terms of numbers, but in symbolic credibility.

The committee that Governor Buni leads is far from ceremonial. Established to reconcile aggrieved members, resolve disputes across states, strengthen grassroots mobilisation and position the party strategically for the next elections, it functions as the stabilising engine room of the APC. Such responsibility demands patience, discipline, credibility and foresight — qualities Buni has consistently displayed.

Since assuming leadership, Buni has quietly but effectively restored stability in party chapters once threatened by factional tensions. Instead of escalating disagreements, he has promoted dialogue; rather than fostering division, he has cultivated reconciliation.

Confidence within the APC has strengthened, and cohesion has measurably improved. It is little wonder he is often described as the “Political General” of the party — a strategist who understands that unity is the most potent currency in politics.

This strategic approach was underscored during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Adamawa State. Adamawa is more than just another opposition-held state — it is politically symbolic. It is the birthplace and power base of Atiku Abubakar, a stalwart of opposition politics with deep influence across Nigeria’s north and south.

The ADC’s growing presence in Adamawa adds texture to its political significance. The party has been positioning itself as a credible alternative to the two dominant parties, particularly among youths and voters seeking fresh political narratives beyond the traditional PDP or APC options. Winning support in such a politically textured state could lend strategic advantage to any national project.

Engaging politically influential states like Adamawa requires confidence, credibility and foresight — exactly the attributes Buni demonstrates.

During the visit, President Tinubu praised Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri as “renewed hope for our country”, commending infrastructure projects including model schools across 21 local governments, the eight-lane Galadima Aminu Way with flyover and underpass, and a newly constructed Government House complex.

“The schools are weapons for fighting poverty and insecurity,” the President remarked, further highlighting the governor as “a leader with great vision and focus.”

Governor Fintiri welcomed the President warmly and urged continued courageous governance, emphasising that leadership transcends politics. Such exchanges are not only cordial but strategically significant — concession and cooperation, rather than exclusion, can be powerful tools for political alignment in a diverse democracy.

Within this context, Buni’s role becomes even more commendable. As Chairman of the Strategy and Conflict Resolution Committee, he understands that political expansion requires trust and sustained engagement.

His efforts to foster dialogue and explore alignments in strategic states like Adamawa reflect maturity, patience and credibility — qualities that distinguish him from many of his contemporaries.

What sets Buni apart is his quiet effectiveness. He does not rely on political theatrics; rather, he invests in structure, stability and anticipation. While others magnify division, he cultivates understanding. While many react to political shifts, Buni anticipates them.

Ultimately, as Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle, the importance of disciplined, strategic leadership cannot be overstated. The APC holds a comfortable majority of governorships, but the growing influence of opposition parties — especially in politically symbolic states like Adamawa — makes strategic engagement essential.

Governor Mai Mala Buni has proven himself not only as a governor but as a national political asset — a Political General whose steady leadership is strengthening internal unity within the APC while simultaneously expanding its national influence. As the party looks to consolidate its position, his role in shaping political cohesion and outreach strategies will remain indispensable.