By Sam Gbangis Alfa, Minna
Fulani (Fulbe) groups in Niger State have endorsed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in the state, Dr Mohammed Kpautagi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was made at the weekend during a gathering organised by Fulani communities at the Maikunkele Event Centre in Bosso Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking at the event, Kpautagi said Atiku possessed the experience and capacity required to address what he described as the governance challenges responsible for the hardship being experienced by Nigerians.
Kpautagi, who was accompanied by his wife and running mate, Hon. Mamman Musa, commended the Fulani community for what he described as a bold decision to support Atiku and the ADC despite alleged political pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He described the gathering as a historic demonstration of solidarity with the ADC and a call for improved living conditions for Nigerians.
According to him, Atiku had consistently expressed concern over the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, particularly following the removal of fuel subsidy.
Kpautagi also criticised the Niger State government over what he described as the accumulation of foreign and domestic debts under Governor Umar Bago.
He warned that the debt burden could become a major responsibility for future generations.
The ADC candidate further condemned what he described as policies of the APC government that had made life increasingly difficult for Nigerians.
Fulani Group Declares Support for Atiku, Kpautagi
Earlier, the Director-General of the Fulbe Youth Group in Niger State, Alhaji Faruk Abdullahi, announced the group’s decision to support Atiku Abubakar for president and Kpautagi for governor in the 2027 elections.
Abdullahi said the group was particularly impressed by Atiku’s recent policy positions, including his call for a reversal of the fuel subsidy removal.
“We Fulanis in Niger State have no option than to support Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for his presidential campaign,” he said.
He said Atiku’s experience and understanding of Nigeria’s political and economic challenges had strengthened the group’s confidence in his ability to lead the country.
Abdullahi said the former vice president had demonstrated sympathy and concern for Nigerians suffering from the rising cost of living.
“We have the confidence that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will no doubt bring back the lost glory of Nigeria as he has come to correct mistakes that have become a thorn in the flesh of Nigerians,” he said.
He added that Atiku’s position on reversing the fuel subsidy removal could help reduce the burden of high transportation costs and the rising prices of essential commodities.
The Fulbe Youth Group also appealed for the inclusion of its members in the ADC campaign structures at both the state and national levels to enable them to participate actively in the 2027 election campaign.
The event attracted a large turnout of men and women from Fulani communities across the state.
Dignitaries at the occasion included former Chief of Staff, Hon. Mikjai B. Mitosahi; former Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Suleiman Yusuf; former local government chairmen; and candidates for the State and National Assemblies.
