Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has distanced himself from the contest over who succeeds him, stating that the people will determine the next governor in 2027.

Speaking on Saturday at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Yola, Fintiri dismissed speculation that he was backing any governorship aspirant, stressing that the choice of leadership rests solely with the electorate.

“The power to choose leaders rests with the people; no one will decide for them,” he said.

The governor maintained that he would remain neutral in the unfolding political process, urging aspirants to engage directly with the grassroots and earn their mandate through credible interaction with voters.

“Democratic leadership cannot be imposed but must be freely given by the citizens,” he added.

Fintiri also assured members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly governorship aspirants, of a level playing field.

His declaration appears to have reassured party aspirants who had expressed concern about their prospects following his defection to the APC in February, a move that positioned him as the party’s leader in the state.

Prior to his clarification, there had been growing speculation that the governor was keen on influencing the emergence of his successor.