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On July 23, 2024, the first civilian Governor of Nasarawa State, distinguished Senator Abdullahi Adamu (Turakin Keffi), celebrated his 78th birthday. As an astute politician, farmer, and lawyer, he has earned him the reputation as the strong man of Nasarawa politics and a prominent figure in Nigerian politics.
With decades of experience, he has left an indelible mark on the country’s political landscape.
Even in retirement, Senator Adamu remains a sought-after political oracle, consulted by many.
His class and seatmate, Hon. Justice Suleiman Galadima OFR, CFR (retired), described him as “a determined, courageous, and fearless young man” during their school days at Senior Primary School Laminga (1957-1959).
This trait has only intensified over the years, manifesting in his campus politics days at Kaduna Polytechnic, where he served as president of the students’ union government (1967-1968) and national vice president of the National Association of Nigerian students.
Senator Adamu’s contributions to Nigeria’s political history are remarkable. He was a delegate to the 1977 constitutional conference that drafted the 1979 constitution, paving the way for civilian rule in 1979.
He was also appointed to the National Conference convened by General Sani Abacha’s regime, which drafted the 1999 constitution. This makes him one of the few individuals who have played a role in shaping Nigeria’s constitution twice.
As party politics resumed, Adamu was a founding member of the National Movement, which later transformed into the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). The NPN formed the federal government and governed several states from 1979 to 1983, with Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Usman Shagari as President. Adamu served as the Secretary of the party in Plateau State in 1978 and later became the Chairman of the NPN from 1982 to 1983, also serving on the national council of the party.
In March 1994, the General Sani Abacha regime appointed him Minister of State for the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. When the ban on partisan politics was lifted again, Senator Adamu co-founded the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) and was a leading contender for the Nasarawa State Governorship seat. However, his ambition was thwarted when General Abdulsalami Abubakar succeeded General Abacha and dissolved all political structures.
Undeterred, Senator Adamu rejoined the political fray when General Abdulsalami announced plans to return the country to civil rule. He was among the founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and contested the Nasarawa State Governorship election on January 9, 1999, emerging victorious and being sworn in as Governor of the state. He was re-elected for a second term in 2003.
Senator Adamu’s leadership prowess and crisis management skills were evident during his tenure as Governor from 1999 to 2007. He inherited the longstanding bvToto crisis, but his adept handling brought a peaceful resolution, even facilitating the return of the displaced Bassa people on July 3, 2002. Similarly, he effectively managed the Southern Senatorial crisis, which erupted following the assassination of his Special Adviser, Sarkin Azara, on June 12, 2001.Senator Adamu’s commitment to peace and unity was unwavering, as evident in his words: “If there is no peace in any part of the state, there can be no peace in the entire state. When we promote peace and unity, we wield our strength together and forge the iron of brotherhood that becomes a bulwark against the storm of hatred and the wines of animosity” (News Magazine, November 4, 2002).
His exceptional crisis management skills earned him recognition from former President Obasanjo in 2005, who commended Senator Adamu for maintaining peace in Nasarawa State, even in the face of challenges. Furthermore, in 2002, Senator Adamu played a crucial role in diffusing tensions between the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and the Hausa ethnic group in Lagos, preventing a potential reprisal attack in Northern states. He also helped resolve the impasse between the Presidency and the National Assembly in 2002.
During his tenure as Governor, Senator Adamu demonstrated exceptional maturity and statesmanship when his convoy was stoned on occasion. Instead of retaliating, he showed restraint and understanding, saying, “I cannot do anything against these young people; they do not know what they are doing.”
As the first democratically elected Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Adamu laid a solid foundation that has enabled his successors to build upon, leading to significant progress in the state. His achievements in education are particularly notable, including the establishment ofg Nasarawa State University Keffi in 2000, State Polytechnic Lafia, College of Health Technology Keffi, School of Nursing and Midwifery Lafia, and increasing the number of secondary schools from 91 to 220.
Senator Adamu also successfully showcased the state’s tourism potential by highlighting the breathtaking Farin Ruwa Falls, leading to the third Presidential Council meeting on Tourism being held in Lafia on August 5, 2004. His leadership and vision have repositioned the state on a path of progress, with education being a top priority. He believed that “education is light” and that “there is no tomorrow without education.” He was committed to educating his people, stating that “if there is anything I owe my people, it is to get them educated, no matter what.”
The peaceful atmosphere and good human relations fostered by Senator Adamu in the state have attracted widespread recognition and admiration. Distinguished world leaders, including former US Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, Queen Elizabeth II, former US Ambassador to Nigeria Howard F. Jetter, and Pastor Mark Craig, visited the state during his tenure as Governor.
Elder Statesman, Alhaji Ahmadu Tanko, who was Senator Adamu’s Headmaster at Senior Primary School Laminga, recalled in an interview with Nigerian Newsday (2003) “Abdullahi Agwada, as he was then called, was a very popular pupil with a wide circle of friends, including his seniors. He was known for his engaging in discussions and debates, but never resorted to fighting. Even as Governor, he still exhibits those good qualities.
He visits my house without protocol, showing respect for his former teacher.”
Senator Adamu’s leadership and tolerance have earned him recognition across Nigeria. His paper presentation at the Northern leader’s peace summit in Kaduna, titled “People of the North Think,” was commended by former President Shehu Aliyu Shagari. As a Muslim, he has demonstrated remarkable religious tolerance, exemplified by his appointment as chairman of the National Mosque Abuja renovation committee in 2005 and his attendance at the interdenominational funeral service for the Sosoliso plane crash victims in Port Harcourt.
His commitment to religious harmony is evident in his appointments, when he was the Governor of Nasarawa state such as thr selection of Special Advisers and constitution of the state Executive Council where he appointed even number of people from the two main religion.
The APC new generation forum, recognizing his impeccable character, vast experience, and national appeal, endorsed and subsequently elected him as the National Chairman of the party on March 26, 2022
At 78, Senator Adamu’s life is a testament to his dedication to humanity, earning him high-profile traditional titles and respect from across the country.”
Senator Adamu has received esteemed traditional titles from respected royal fathers across the country, including:
– Turakin Keffi
– Aare-Obateru of the Source, Ile-Ife
– Teruru of Owu Kingdom
– Onana Attah Igala
– Odeni-Igbo I of Igbo land
– Zanna Dawuma of Borno
– Oloto (Peace Maker) of Agwada
– Dan-Madamin Eggon
– Ada-Weji of Afo Nation
These titles reflect the high regard in which Senator Adamu is held by various communities and kingdoms, recognizing his contributions to nation-building, peace, and development.”
English (US) ·