Mustapha Salihu, a leading governorship aspirant under the All-Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, has withdrawn from the party’s 2027 governorship primary.
His campaign organization confirmed the decision on Wednesday night and disclosed that Salihu stepped down after directives from the APC national leadership.
In addition, the statement confirmed that he will now contest the senatorial ticket for Adamawa Central.
According to the campaign team, the withdrawal followed instructions from the party’s national leadership, but did not provide details of the directive.
Instead, it described the move as part of internal party arrangements ahead of the primaries.
The statement read, “Following directives from the leadership of the party at the national level, Mustapha Salihu has stepped down from the governorship primary election.”
Consequently, Salihu redirected his ambition to the Senate race, his withdrawal surprised political observers in Adamawa State as many considered him a strong contender in the APC governorship race.
Meanwhile, reports had linked him to influential backing within the state’s political structure.
As a result, his exit has significantly altered the dynamics of the governorship contest.
Following his withdrawal, Salihu will now contest the APC senatorial primary for Adamawa Central.
while attention shifts to the emerging senatorial contest within the party, political stakeholders expect a more competitive race in the zone.
In particular, Ahmed Galadima, believed to have strong backing from National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, remains a key contender.
The development highlights ongoing internal realignments within the APC in Adamawa State and reflects the influence of national leadership decisions on state-level political contests.
However, party officials have yet to issue an official statement on the withdrawal.
Meanwhile, consultations are expected to continue as the APC finalizes its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
