From Joseph Asegba, Yola
Not less than 39 Ardos across 21 local government areas of Adamawa State have come out for the endorsement of Labour Party governorship candidate Senator Ishaku Abbo come 2027 election.
The traditional leaders under the leadership of Ardo Mailano Ahmadu Bello declared that they would not abandon their preferred candidate despite reported opposition from the Adamawa leadership of Miyetti Allah Tabital Pulaku Kautal Haure. The Ardos who assembled in Yola on Friday.
They stressed that their support for Abbo stemmed from years of personal relationships, mutual understanding and concrete assistance to Fulani communities, not from ethnic or religious considerations.
The meeting was convened specifically in response to the reported stance of Tabital Pulaku Kautal Haure against their earlier endorsement of Abbo’s ambition.
The Ardos insisted that no socio-cultural organisation has the right to dictate the political choices of its members or threaten them with sanctions for exercising their constitutional rights.
Speaking at the event, Ahmadu Bello described the reported opposition as an attempt to interfere with their freedom of association and democratic participation.
He argued that members of the Fulani community must remain free to support any candidate of their choice without fear of suspension or other disciplinary action.
“No force on earth can take away our democratic right to vote for the candidate of our choice,” Ahmadu Bello declared.
He said the Ardos’ decision was informed by Abbo’s longstanding practical help, including the provision of veterinary medicines for cattle, educational support for children, and various interventions in their communities.
He portrayed the endorsement as an expression of appreciation rather than a political transaction, adding that voters should assess candidates on the basis of track record, integrity, achievements and contributions to society.
Ahmadu Bello further distinguished the traditional Ardo institution from socio-cultural groups, insisting that membership of the latter should never determine political choices.
Other traditional leaders, women and youth representatives at the meeting, including Ardo Sale Waziri, Ardo Barde Manu, Ardo Saleh Guyuk, Ja’o Lamurde, Alhaji Inusa Abdullahi, Hajia Fatimatu Umar and several others, echoed Ahmadu Bello’s position.
They endorsed both Abbo’s candidacy and Ahmadu Bello’s leadership, describing him as fair and committed to their collective interests.
The speakers pledged to mobilise their networks across all 21 local government areas to secure comprehensive victory for the senator.
They maintained that Abbo’s cross-ethnic and cross-religious approach had strengthened their confidence in his potential leadership of Adamawa State.
Responding, Abubakar Usman Damare, Director-General of Abbo’s campaign organisation, said any threat of sanctions against the Ardos for endorsing a candidate was inconsistent with democratic principles.
He urged the traditional leaders to remain steadfast, noting that neither traditional institutions nor socio-cultural organisations should prevent individuals from making independent political decisions.
Labour Party deputy governorship candidate Hon. Sanusi Faruk Jauro, who represented Abbo at the gathering, thanked the Ardos for their support.
He assured the Fulani community that an Abbo led administration would prioritise their economic and social concerns, particularly livestock related trade, children’s education and infrastructure development, while addressing the broader needs of Adamawa State.