A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President of the Emnamu Foundation, Dr. Emmanuel Nachamada Musa, has cautioned gubernatorial aspirants against what he described as reckless name-dropping and actions capable of overheating the political space ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during a Press Briefing in Yola, Anas Bala, the spokesperson of EMNAMU Mobilization Group noted that 2026 would be marked by intense political activities, including alignments, negotiations, compromises and consensus-building within parties, but warned that such engagements must be conducted responsibly.
He expressed concern that some aspirants were allegedly exploiting the name of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to gain political relevance, describing the practice as unacceptable and misleading.
“Mallam Nuhu Ribadu is a revered and respected statesman with an impeccable record of service and unquestionable integrity. Dragging his name into partisan politics for personal gain is cheap politics that should not be tolerated,” Musa said.
He stressed that Ribadu is a globally recognised figure whose reputation should not be diminished by local political manoeuvres, recalling his widely acknowledged rejection of a multi-million-dollar bribe as evidence of his integrity.
The Spokesperson dismissed claims that the NSA had endorsed any particular gubernatorial aspirant, insisting such narratives were false. “It is simply untrue to suggest that Mallam Nuhu Ribadu would be used or manipulated to endorse any aspirant,” he added.
Clarifying his position, Musa said his comments were not driven by personal closeness to Ribadu but by a sense of collective responsibility. “He is a father figure in the progressive family and deserves respect. If his reputation is dragged down, it affects not just individuals but the entire state,” he said.
EMNAMU also emphasised that politics in the 21st century is people-oriented, adding that popularity, antecedents and track records—not name-dropping—should determine leadership choices.
He further noted that whoever eventually emerges as the APC’s gubernatorial candidate has nothing to offer the NSA beyond respect, stressing that the office of the National Security Adviser ranks far above that of a state governor.
Dr. Musa praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to appoint Ribadu as NSA, describing it as proof of his detribalised outlook and commitment to national unity and security.
“At this critical time, when Nigeria faces serious security challenges, the work of the President through the Office of the National Security Adviser should not be distracted by desperate and unpopular politicians,” Musa concluded.
