From Left: Chief Joel Hammanjoda Madaki, Adamawa’s APC Governorship Aspirant and Abdulrahman Bashir Haske, frontline APC Governorship Aspirant in Adamawa during a press conference where the former stepped down from the race to support Haske in Adamawa on Wednesday (May 20, 2026).
As the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepares for its governorship primaries in Adamawa State on Thursday, leading aspirant, Abdulrahman Bashir Haske, has recorded a major political boost following widespread endorsements across the state and the withdrawal of a frontline contender, Chief Joel Hammanjoda Madaki, who has stepped down to back his candidacy.
Madaki announced his decision at an emergency world press conference on Wednesday, describing the move as one taken in the interest of unity and progress within the party.
His withdrawal and endorsement are already being viewed within party circles as a significant consolidation ahead of the primaries, strengthening Haske’s standing among delegates and stakeholders.
According to the press statement issued by Haske’s campaign, the development “marks a powerful turning point, consolidating strength and building an unstoppable momentum for the Haske movement as the party prepares for the primaries tomorrow.”

In the build-up to the primaries, Haske has also secured what his supporters describe as “widespread endorsements” across Adamawa’s 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs), following an extensive consultation tour that covered all senatorial zones in the state.
The tour began on Monday, May 11, 2026, in the Southern Senatorial Zone, with visits to Ganye, Demsa, Guyuk, Jada, Lamurde, Mayo-Belwa, Numan, Shelleng and Toungo LGAs. It later extended to the Northern Zone, covering Madagali, Maiha, Michika, Mubi North and Mubi South, before concluding in the Central Zone, including Hong, Song, Gombi, Girei, Fufore, Yola North and Yola South LGAs.
Across the visits, large crowds of party members and supporters reportedly turned out to receive the aspirant, with campaign aides describing the reception as evidence of growing acceptance of his candidacy at the grassroots.
Haske, during his engagements, said the consultation exercise was not only political but also aimed at building consensus on the state’s future.
“We designed this consultation tour not just as a political exercise, but as a platform to connect with citizens and develop a shared agenda for Adamawa’s development,” he said.
He reiterated his commitment to inclusive governance, economic revitalisation, youth empowerment, and sustainable development, while expressing appreciation for what he called overwhelming support across the state.
Observers quoted in the statement said the scale of participation across all LGAs reflects “increasing demand for leadership that is accessible and development-focused,” adding that grassroots feedback highlighted concerns around economic growth, security, and inclusivity.
Haske has also been commended by supporters for unveiling his development blueprint titled the “A.D.A.M.A.W.A First Agenda,” a seven-point policy framework focused on addressing key economic, social, and security challenges in the state.
The aspirant, who also runs the AB Haske Foundation, is known for philanthropic work in youth and women empowerment and was a recipient of the African Humanitarian Award from the African Heritage Awards.
He has further praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the promotion of internal democracy within the APC, saying the party’s leadership has ensured equal opportunity for aspirants.
As APC delegates prepare for Thursday’s primaries, attention now shifts to the outcome of what is shaping up to be a closely watched contest, with Haske emerging as a frontrunner following his statewide mobilisation and new political endorsements.
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