By Talatu Maiwada
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Adamawa, Mr Maurice Vunobolki, has unveiled a nine-point development agenda centred on security and people’s prosperity.
Vunobolki made the disclosure during an interactive session with journalists on Satuday in Yola, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
He outlined a development vision anchored on effective utilisation of Adamawa’s abundant natural and human resources to tackle poverty, unemployment and developmental challenges.
He said the “People” component of the agenda would focus on improving the welfare and productivity of citizens, including civil servants, youths, women, entrepreneurs, professionals and community-based organisations.
The candidate said the ‘Prosperity’ pillar would address unemployment and poverty by creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He said his administration would also support citizens move into productive economic ventures to improve their livelihoods.
“When you talk about prosperity, you talk about empowerment, businesses and increasing the purchasing power of the citizens.
“when you talk about prosperity, you talk about bringing people out of unemployment and putting them back to productive business ventures,” he said.
Vunobolki said Adamawa could no longer afford a governance model largely dependent on short-term interventions and immediate political gains.
He said the state required deliberate policies and institutional frameworks capable of unlocking its economic potential and creating sustainable opportunities for the residents.
According to him, Adamawa is endowed with vast land, water bodies and a large population whose productive capacities could transform the state’s economy.
“My administration will strategically deploy government resources to stimulate productive activities, empower citizens and expand opportunities for businesses and individuals.
“The state’s land and water resources offer opportunities for agricultural development, job creation, stronger local businesses and reduced dependence on government,” he said.
Vunobolki maintained that the state challenge is not lack of resources, but failure of governments to establish frameworks capable of converting those resources into tangible benefits.
The PDP candidate identified ‘peace and security” as essential conditions for prosperity, saying insecurity could disrupt farming, commerce and other economic activities.
Vunobolki said his administration would develop policies responding to changing environmental realities while protecting livelihoods dependent on agriculture and natural resources.
He said development must extend beyond urban centres to rural communities where many residents depend directly on agriculture and other primary economic activities.
The PDP candidate called for a change in the character of political campaigns, saying the 2027 election should focus on competing ideas, manifestos and visions presented by various candidates.
He urged political actors to avoid blackmail, insults and personal attacks, saying voters should be presented with clear alternatives to make informed choices.
