Yola, Girei Needs Results, Not Rhetoric: Why Ex-DG REA Salihijo Is More Qualified with a 15-Year Record in Energy, Policy, Jobs
….Why He Stands Without Match
“…In a field crowded with career politicians, former lawmakers, and local influencers, Salihijo offers something scarce: demonstrable competence in solving the very problems the constituency faces”.
By Tom Garba
In this honest and objective analysis by prominent Political Analyst Iliyasu Adams, based on verifiable performance records, developmental impact, and leadership competencies, the contest for the Yola North, Yola South, and Girei Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives stands out as more than a routine power struggle.
It represents a fundamental choice between seasoned delivery and familiar political rhetoric.
Among a crowded field of over a dozen aspirants; comprising experienced politicians, former lawmakers, grassroots mobilizers, and professionals; Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, former Managing Director and CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), emerges as the standout figure whose technocratic depth and proven track record in infrastructure, energy access, and job creation set him apart.
As voters prepare to make their decision, here is a professional profile of each aspirant under the APC platform:
Hon. Ahmadu Hamman (Dan Maje Adamawa)
Alhaji Ahmadu Hamman, popularly known as Dan Maje Adamawa, is a seasoned politician, humanitarian, and business leader from Adamawa State.
With deep grassroots connections and vast experience in governance and community development, he has built a reputation as a strong advocate for justice, equity, and inclusive growth. His political journey spans multiple levels, including contesting for senatorial positions.
A committed party man, Hamman is recognized for his philanthropic efforts and ability to mobilize support across diverse groups.
His business acumen complements his political insight, positioning him as a pragmatic voice for sustainable development in the constituency.
Hon. Aminu Bello Arabi
Hon. Aminu Bello Bamanga Arabi is a visionary leader and compassionate public servant with a background in real estate management and global business transactions.
Known for his focus on security, good governance, healthcare, and youth empowerment, Arabi enjoys broad appeal across Yola and Girei.
His professional experience emphasizes project structuring, land administration, and long-term development planning.
A unifying figure who transcends religious and ethnic lines, he is praised for community service, medical outreach programs, and fostering party cohesion.
Arabi brings a blend of practical business insight and grassroots mobilization to the race.
Hon. Abdulkareem Sabo
Hon. Abdulkareem Sabo Abdullahi, also known as Marafan Jimeta, is a dedicated public servant and experienced legislative hand.
He previously served as Senior Legislative Aide to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, gaining deep insight into lawmaking and policy processes.
A strong grassroots mobilizer in Yola North, Sabo is recognized for equitable development advocacy and constituent engagement. He officially resigned from his legislative role to contest, demonstrating commitment.
His local roots and policy exposure make him a reliable contender focused on practical solutions and community needs.
Hon. Mohammed Gidado Mohammed (MGM)
Hon. Mohammed Gidado Mohammed (MGM) is a tested administrator, philanthropist, and community leader with academic credentials including a BSc and MBA.
Holder of the traditional title Sarkin Dawaki Jimeta and UN-POLAC Ambassador for Peace, he is respected for his strategic governance approach and humanitarian work. MGM has shown commitment through youth empowerment, social initiatives, and consistent public service.
His leadership philosophy centers on people-centered development, compassion, and tangible impact. A familiar name in Adamawa politics, he brings policy insight and grassroots trust to the federal race.
Hon. Ahmad Uthman Muhammad
Hon. Ahmad Uthman Muhammad, also known as Dawisu Adamawa, is a young dynamic leader, philanthropist, environmentalist, and youth advocate born in 1997. He holds a Bachelor’s degree and background in business and human resources.
Recognized for combating climate change, tree-planting initiatives, and humanitarian support across the North-East, he promotes unity beyond religious and ethnic lines. His hands-on approach to purposeful leadership and empowerment programs has earned him respect.
As a businessman-turned-politician, Uthman represents fresh energy and commitment to addressing youth unemployment and environmental challenges.
Hon. Samir Lawan Ribadu
Hon. Samir (Nuhu) Lawan Ribadu belongs to the prominent Ribadu family in Adamawa. He is known for integrity, dedication to peaceful coexistence, and community service.
With strong networks and a commitment to effective representation, Samir emphasizes progress, good governance, and inclusive development. His candidacy draws on familial legacy of public service while focusing on contemporary issues facing Yola and Girei.
Viewed as a capable and principled contender, he brings stability, cross-community appeal, and a vision for sustainable advancement through collaborative leadership.
Hon. Kabiru Mijinyawa
Rt. Hon. Kabiru Mijinyawa is a veteran lawmaker and former Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, representing Yola South. A businessman-turned-politician, he has served multiple terms since 2011 and played a key role in legislative stability.
Known for grassroots influence and constituency projects, Mijinyawa completed his primary and secondary education in Adamawa. His tenure as Speaker highlighted humility, leadership, and effective governance. With vast legislative experience and deep local roots, he remains a respected figure advocating for continued development and strong representation.
Hon. Jamila Babuba
Barr. Jamila Babuba is a prominent legal practitioner, women’s rights advocate, and trailblazing politician from Jimeta-Yola. She previously served as President of Adamawa Women Initiative for Leadership and Development (ADWILD) and Chairperson of FIDA Nigeria.
With a strong background in law and gender advocacy, she pushes for equal rights, access to justice, and women’s empowerment.
As one of the few female aspirants with significant political experience, Babuba brings a vital gender perspective, legal expertise, and passionate commitment to inclusive governance and youth development.
Hon. Tariq Abubakar (Dr. Tariq Girei)
Dr. Tariq Abubakar Girei is a medical doctor with advanced qualifications, including a Master’s in Health-related fields from institutions such as Bayero University Kano and Ahmadu Bello University.
He brings professional expertise in healthcare delivery and community development. As a dynamic aspirant focused on quality representation, Dr. Girei emphasizes practical solutions to health, education, and socio-economic challenges.
His medical background and local roots in Girei position him as a candidate committed to improving living standards and addressing contemporary constituency needs through informed, service-oriented leadership.
Hon. Abba Girei (Mohammed Salihu Abba Girei)
Hon. Abba Girei is a deeply rooted politician and former federal lawmaker with strong ties to Girei and the broader constituency. He has legislative experience from representing Yola North/South/Girei and holds traditional titles that enhance his grassroots influence.
Known for rural development advocacy, agriculture support, and community representation, Abba Girei commands respect for his commitment to local issues.
His political journey reflects dedication to bridging urban-rural gaps and delivering constituency projects. He remains a key contender with established networks and focus on practical progress.
Hon. Mahmud MC Tahir
Engr. Mahmud MC Tahir is a community advocate, humanitarian, and energetic political voice from Yola South. Recognized for supporting orphans, the less privileged, and youth initiatives, he combines engineering background with grassroots mobilization.
Tahir is praised for hands-on philanthropy and modern campaign strategies addressing urban development and social welfare. His energetic leadership style resonates with young voters and communities seeking practical change.
As an aspirant, he brings enthusiasm, technical insight, and a strong commitment to people-oriented service.
Hon. Usman Mohammed
Hon. Usman Mohammed is a committed public servant with solid local standing in Girei and surrounding areas. Focused on practical development and reliable constituent services, he emphasizes steady progress and community-driven initiatives.
With experience in grassroots politics, Mohammed is known for accessibility and dedication to addressing everyday challenges in education, infrastructure, and welfare. His consistent approach and deep understanding of local dynamics position him as a dependable option for voters seeking dependable and focused representation.
Hon. Ahmed Salihijo (Salihijo Ahmad) – Standout Technocrat
Among the emerging aspirants for the Yola North, Yola South, and Girei Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives by looking at all their pedigrees based on verifiable facts and records, Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, former Managing Director/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), stands out for a reason that is increasingly difficult to ignore: his candidacy is rooted less in rhetoric and more in demonstrable experience within sectors directly tied to Nigeria’s development challenges.
At a time when constituencies are grappling with unemployment, unreliable infrastructure, weak public services, and economic uncertainty, the question voters may increasingly ask is not simply “who is popular?” but “who has managed complex systems and delivered tangible outcomes at scale?” Salihijo’s professional background offers a compelling case in that regard.
During his tenure at the REA, the agency oversaw one of the most significant expansions of off-grid and rural electrification initiatives in Nigeria, including mini-grid deployment, solar home system expansion, and productive-use energy interventions that impacted households, businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities across multiple states, including Adamawa.
Beyond REA, his experience across infrastructure regulation, public-private partnerships, youth employment programming, and renewable energy finance places him within a category of leaders increasingly defined not merely by political ambition, but by their ability to execute, coordinate, and attract development opportunities.
This does not diminish the credentials of other aspirants in the race, many of whom possess significant grassroots influence, legislative experience, business exposure, and long-standing political networks.
Politics remains deeply local, relational, and coalition-driven.However, what makes Salihijo’s candidacy particularly compelling is that he appears to offer a combination that is still relatively rare in Nigerian politics: technocratic depth, institutional exposure, development credibility, and growing grassroots resonance.
In many ways, the Y2G contest may ultimately become a referendum on the kind of representation people want going forward.
For years, communities have listened to promises about jobs, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and economic opportunity. Salihijo enters the conversation with the advantage of having already worked within systems that directly addressed many of those issues at scale.
That may ultimately become his strongest political argument. Because in a constituency increasingly concerned with results, delivery may matter more than rhetoric.
The contest represents a fundamental choice between seasoned delivery and familiar political rhetoric. Among a crowded field of over a dozen aspirants, Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, former Managing Director and CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), emerges with a rare technocratic depth and a proven track record in infrastructure, energy access, and job creation that clearly sets him apart.
Born on October 20, 1983, in Adamawa State, Salihijo is the son of the late Alhaji Ahmad Salihijo, a respected consultant and ally of former President Muhammadu Buhari during the Petroleum Trust Fund era.
This heritage provides cultural resonance, but it is his professional pedigree and tangible impacts that form the core of his appeal.
With a B.Eng (Hons) in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from the University of Leeds (UK), a Master of Development Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy, and additional qualifications in project management, Salihijo combines international-standard technical expertise with a deep understanding of Nigeria’s developmental challenges.
His 15-year career trajectory spans public-private partnerships, infrastructure regulation, renewable energy deployment, and large-scale project execution precisely the competencies required to address the constituency’s pressing needs: unreliable power supply, youth unemployment, agricultural underdevelopment, and weak infrastructure.
A Proven Record of Delivery at REA (2019–2024)
Salihijo’s tenure as MD/CEO of the REA marked one of the most transformative periods for rural electrification in Nigeria.
Appointed in late 2019, he led the implementation of the $550 million Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), supported by the World Bank and African Development Bank.
Under his leadership, the agency accelerated solar mini-grids, solar home systems (SHS), and productive-use initiatives that delivered electricity access to millions.
Key milestones include significant connections through mini-grids and over 1.4 million SHS deployments, powering households, MSMEs, and public institutions.
The agency commissioned dozens of mini-grids nationwide, including multiple projects in Adamawa State such as the rehabilitation of solar mini-grids in Hong LGA and a 30kWp solar hybrid mini-grid in Mbela Lagaje community in Mayo Belwa LGA.
These interventions brought reliable power to areas long neglected by the national grid, enabling rice milling, tuber processing, and small businesses to thrive.
The Energizing Education Programme provided sustainable power to federal universities and teaching hospitals, while the Solar Power Naija initiative and Rural Electrification Fund expanded access further.
Salihijo played a key role in Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and forged partnerships that attracted substantial private and international capital.
Reports credit his leadership with creating over 5,000 direct jobs in the off-grid sector and tens of thousands of indirect jobs through improved productivity in agriculture and small enterprises.
One estimate from his tenure highlights over 450,000 people positively impacted alongside 99,000 connections in key phases.
These are not abstract statistics. In communities like Belel and Gurin in Adamawa, solar mini-grids stabilized electricity, spurred economic activity, attracted new residents, and supported cross-border trade with Cameroon.
For a constituency like Yola North/South-Girei — blending urban aspirations in Jimeta-Yola with rural farming communities in Girei — such experience is directly transferable.
Reliable energy remains the bedrock for industrialization, education, healthcare, and security.
Beyond REA: A Broader Foundation in Policy and Infrastructure
Salihijo’s expertise extends far beyond his REA years. As Principal Infrastructure Officer and pioneer staff at the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), he evaluated Public-Private Partnership (PPP) proposals, supported transaction advisors, and contributed to national PPP policy frameworks.
At the SURE-P programme under the Ministry of Finance, he designed and coordinated large-scale youth employment schemes, engaging hundreds of thousands in community services, internships, and skills development.
As Executive Director Operations at eN Consulting, he developed solar PV projects, hydropower concessions, and captive power solutions.
Today, as Managing Partner of Amsal Consults, he advises subnational governments on climate finance, green bonds, and blended capital for sustainable infrastructure skills critical for attracting investment to Adamawa.
His professional memberships in COREN and the Nigerian Society of Engineers underscore technical credibility rare among political aspirants.
Why He Stands Without Match
In a field crowded with career politicians, former lawmakers, and local influencers, Salihijo offers something scarce: demonstrable competence in solving the very problems the constituency faces.
Most aspirants excel in mobilization and oratory, yet few can point to a legacy of lighting up communities, creating jobs through infrastructure, or structuring multi-million-dollar development projects.
Yola North, Yola South, and Girei suffer from the familiar Nigerian paradox — proximity to state power yet persistent gaps in electricity, water, roads, and economic opportunity.
A legislator with hands-on experience in energy policy can champion bills and oversight that prioritize rural electrification extensions, solar incentives, skills centres tied to productive uses, and PPPs for local infrastructure.
Salihijo’s network across multilateral institutions, DFIs, and the private sector positions him to attract projects that deliver results, not just promises.
Political analysts note that Nigeria’s democracy increasingly demands “hybrid elites” — individuals who blend technocratic capability with political awareness.
Salihijo fits this mould. His candidacy tests whether voters will reward proven delivery over entrenched patronage. As one observer framed it, his entry echoes disruptive reformist figures who challenge systems with competence and results.
Vision for the Constituency
Salihijo has pledged to tackle poverty and unemployment head-on. His vision centres on harnessing local potential: empowering youth with skills, supporting women’s entrepreneurship, improving infrastructure, and ensuring communities benefit from modern amenities.
Having already delivered solar projects and economic boosts in Adamawa during his REA tenure, he brings continuity and credibility.
In an era where climate resilience, energy transition, and job creation dominate national discourse, his background in renewable energy and climate finance offers strategic advantage.
He can effectively represent the constituency on critical national issues while delivering constituency projects grounded in feasibility and impact.
The Deeper Choice for Voters
The contest in Yola North/South-Girei is ultimately about priorities. Rhetoric fills campaign seasons, but governance demands execution.
Salihijo’s record spanning project finance, engineering standards, youth employment design, PPP structuring, and large-scale renewable deployment — demonstrates he has already practiced politics in its purest developmental form: the allocation of resources and opportunities that improve lives.
As the 2027 race intensifies, constituents must weigh pedigree against performance. In Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, Yola and Girei have an aspirant whose qualifications are not theoretical but forged in boardrooms, project sites, and policy arenas that directly address their daily struggles with darkness, joblessness, and underdevelopment.
Yet, in a constituency yearning for tangible progress, Salihijo’s candidacy represents a compelling proposition: leadership rooted in results, not mere rhetoric.
For voters tired of cycles of unfulfilled promises, the choice could signal a shift toward valuing what actually works.
