Joel Madaki, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa state, has withdrawn from the race and endorsed Abdulrahman Haske ahead of Thursday’s primary election.
Madaki announced his withdrawal from the race on Wednesday during an emergency press conference.
The development is expected to strengthen Haske’s position ahead of the primary following weeks of consultations and endorsements across the state.
Haske has recently secured support from party stakeholders, traditional rulers, youth groups, women organisations, and professional bodies across Adamawa.
The endorsements followed his statewide consultation tour across the 21 LGAs of the state.
The tour commenced on May 11 in the southern senatorial zone, covering Ganye, Demsa, Guyuk, Jada, Lamurde, Mayo-Belwa, Numan, Shelleng, and Toungo LGAs.
The consultation later moved to the northern zone, including Madagali, Maiha, Michika, Mubi north, and Mubi south LGAs.
The exercise concluded on Tuesday with visits to the central zone, including Hong, Song, Gombi, Girei, Fufore, Yola north, and Yola south LGAs.
Haske said the consultations were designed to connect with residents and develop a shared vision for the state.
He pledged commitment to inclusive governance, economic revitalisation, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.
Haske also thanked party members and residents for the reception accorded him during the statewide consultations, describing the endorsements as a reflection of the people’s desire for responsive and purposeful leadership.
Haske formally declared his governorship ambition on April 25 in Yola, the state capital, with the unveiling of his development blueprint titled “A.D.A.M.A.W.A First Agenda”.
The framework outlines policy priorities aimed at addressing economic, social, and security challenges in the state.
Apart from politics, Haske is also known for his philanthropic activities through the AB Haske Foundation, which focuses on youth and women empowerment initiatives across different communities.
He has previously received the African Humanitarian Award conferred by the African Heritage Awards (AHA).
