By Abdul Gaffar Ahmed

In his book, The 48 Laws of Power, a bestselling 1998 book that outlines the strategies of power and manipulation based on historical figures, Robert Greene, a renowned American author, who has written several books on power, strategy, and psychology, discuses what he calls ‘Mastering the Art of Time (MAT)’ under Law #35.

Greene unmistakably suggests that the art of timing is the strategic ability to recognise, master, and act at the most opportune moment to achieve power or success. It involves controlling emotions, cultivating patience, never appearing in a hurry, and understanding prevailing trends to know exactly when to act and when to hold back.

It, therefore, appears appropriate to metaphorically describe politics as the art of timing and nowhere has this become more exigent than the ongoing political developments within one of the parties Adamawa State. In Adamawa State, the approach of the 2027 governorship election presents the All Progressives Congress (APC) with a defining test: whether it will repeat the costly mistakes of the past or make the courageous strategic choices required to reclaim the state at the right time.

The political landscape in the state is already beginning to take shape and as the countdown to the 2027 governorship election in Adamawa State gathers momentum, the APC faces a decisive moment. The party’s ambition to reclaim the state from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and off course the emerging African Democratic Congress (ADC) will depend not merely on rhetoric or political sentiment, but on strategic unity, careful zoning, and the selection of a candidate capable of energizing the electorate across all divides.

Within the APC circles, a few respected figures have signaled interest in the party’s ticket. Names such as Mustapha Salihu, Ahmed Tijjani Galadima Aminu, and Salihu Bakari Girei have appeared prominently in political discussions.

Each of these aspirants brings experience and credibility. Engr. Aminu represents the technocratic class — individuals whose expertise in public institutions can shape policy direction. Comrade Salihu, on the other hand, is a national political figure with deep roots within the party structure, while Dr. Girei embodies the intellectual and developmental perspective.

Yet, elections in Adamawa are rarely won solely through institutional experience or political pedigree. They are won through connection with the people.

And in that regard, one aspirant increasingly captures the imagination of grassroots voters across the state: Abdulrahman Bashir Haske. Unlike many traditional politicians whose careers revolve around government appointments and party offices, Haske’s rise is rooted in private-sector initiative, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.

His growing popularity did not begin in the corridors of power but within communities through empowerment programmes, humanitarian interventions, and economic initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.

Perhaps, the most widely discussed example is his Foundation’s Ramadan outreach, which reportedly distributed tens of thousands of bags of rice and other essential food items across the 21 local government areas of Adamawa State, alongside financial assistance and mobility support for beneficiaries. For many families struggling with economic hardship, this was not merely philanthropy it was evidence of leadership that acts before seeking political reward.

In a political culture often criticised for promises without delivery, such interventions resonate deeply and beyond personalities lies a deeper political reality: Adamawa Central has never produced a governor of the state.

Yet, the zone remains one of the most decisive electoral battlegrounds in Adamawa politics. In almost every major election, its voting strength plays a determining role in the final outcome. Despite this influence, the zone has repeatedly missed opportunities to consolidate its political strength.

The 2023 governorship election is a case in point. At the time, influential figures from Adamawa Central including Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, Modi Halilu, and NuhuRibadu held considerable political influence.

Yet, internal divisions prevented the emergence of a unified political direction from the zone. The result was fragmentation that ultimately weakened the APC’s electoral prospects. The lesson should not be forgotten.

If Adamawa Central, once again, fails to consolidate around a credible candidate, the opportunity to produce a governor may slip away yet again, ostensibly because of seeming disregard to the Greene’s hypothesis.

Some skeptics point to Haske’s age as a potential concern. At around 37, he represents a younger generation compared with many established political figures. But history reminds us that age alone has never defined leadership capacity.

Nigeria itself witnessed the rise of Yakubu Gowon, who became the Head of State at just 30 years of age. Across Africa today, younger leaders are redefining governance and public engagement. What Adamawa needs may not be another conventional politician, but a new generation of leadership, new blood, guided by experienced elders. Haske’s humility, accessibility, and willingness to learn suggest that such a balance is not only possible, but it may also already be emerging.

If the APC truly intends to reclaim Adamawa State in 2027, internal unity must begin now not months before the election. The party’s national and state leadership must facilitate consultations among aspirants from Adamawa Central with the aim of identifying a consensus candidate capable of commanding broad support, especially from the youth, the aspirations of which Haske embodies.

Demographically speaking, Adamawa State has a young demographic, largely mirroring Nigeria’s national trend where over 60–70 per cent of the population is under 30 or 35 years old. With an estimated total population of 4,902,100 as of 2022, a significant majority of Adamawa’s residents are youth, placing them at the center of the state’s agricultural, economic, and social activities. Studies have focused on youth populations within the 26–35 age range in the State, indicating a concentration of young adults in urban centers.

Key stakeholders, especially respected figures such as Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who commands significant influence within the state — have an important role to play in guiding this process.

This is not about suppressing ambition. It is about aligning ambition with the broader strategic interest of the party. Every political generation faces a moment when it must decide whether to remain comfortable with the familiar or take a calculated step toward renewal. For the APC in Adamawa, that moment may well be approaching for the party to catch the wave.

In Abdulrahman Bashir Haske, the party sees a candidate, who reflects grassroots engagement, private-sector innovation, youth energy, and cross-community appeal.

He may not be the most traditional political choice. But sometimes, the candidate who inspires the people, especially the bourgeoning youth population, which have become central factor in political success, is precisely the one capable of transforming political fortunes. Adamawa Central has waited long enough for its turn.

The APC must now decide whether it will allow history to repeat itself or whether it will unite behind a candidate capable of opening a new chapter. And perhaps, just perhaps, that chapter begins with giving Abdulrahman Bashir Haske a chance.

Unlike many traditional politicians whose careers have largely been built within government institutions, Haske’s trajectory originates from the private sector and community-driven initiatives. As a businessman involved in agriculture, logistics, and investments, he represents a different model of leadership one grounded in enterprise, productivity, and practical solutions.

His engagement with communities has not been confined to campaign seasons. Through philanthropic interventions and empowerment programmes, he has built a reputation as a people-centered leader with direct connections to the grassroots.

For example, his leadership role in the APC’s youth mobilisation efforts including his appointment as Chairman of the Youth Advisory Committee for the Ganye State Assembly by-election in 2025underscored the party’s recognition of his ability to mobilise young voters and grassroots networks.

This generational appeal is significant. Adamawa’s electorate is increasingly youthful, and any party hoping to win in 2027 must present a candidate capable of inspiring young voters while maintaining the respect of traditional political stakeholders. Beyond the issue of individual candidates lies a broader question of equity and political balance within the state and it is hoped that the party will act in the nick of time.

Gaffar Ahmed, a public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja.