Gongola Peoples Forum May Shape Adamawa 2027 Election

As political discussions around the 2027 governorship race slowly begin to take shape in Adamawa State, a growing number of observers believe a powerful socio-cultural group may hold the key to the next electoral outcome. That group is the Gongola Peoples Forum (GPF), an umbrella platform representing a large coalition of indigenous ethnic nationalities across the state.

A careful look at the evolving political environment suggests that the GPF is steadily gaining influence. Its growing unity, expanding grassroots presence, and clear political demands are positioning the forum as a potential deciding force in the next governorship election.

For many political actors already preparing for 2027, the message emerging from the forum appears clear: any aspirant who ignores the group’s agenda may struggle to gain the support needed to win the election.

The Gongola Peoples Forum describes itself as a socio-cultural organisation committed to promoting unity among indigenous ethnic communities in Adamawa State. The group also focuses on protecting cultural heritage, strengthening inclusivity, and addressing what it describes as long-standing issues of marginalisation affecting several local communities.

In recent years, the forum has become increasingly visible through public gatherings and cultural activities that celebrate the diversity of Adamawa’s indigenous groups.

One of the most notable events was the grand cultural fiesta held in December 2025 at the Mahmud Ribadu Square in Yola. The event attracted thousands of participants from different communities and was widely viewed as a strong demonstration of unity among the various ethnic nationalities represented within the forum.

Another development that strengthened the forum’s momentum was the creation of seven new chiefdoms and emirates in 2024. These included Hoba, Madagali, Michika, Gombi, Dumne, Fufore, and Maiha.

For members of the GPF, the establishment of these traditional institutions represented an important step toward improving representation and giving indigenous communities a stronger voice in local governance.

Leadership within the forum has also played a major role in building its influence across Adamawa State.

The National Chairman of the Gongola Peoples Forum, Engr. Markus Natina Gundiri is widely known in political circles. A seasoned politician and former governorship aspirant, Gundiri brings years of experience and deep grassroots connections to the organisation.

On several occasions, he has stated that the ethnic nationalities represented by the forum have the capacity to produce the next governor of Adamawa State in 2027.

Gundiri once declared that the forum could deliver victory for its preferred candidate “without spending a kobo”, emphasising the strength of grassroots mobilisation and community unity.

Although he has praised some initiatives by the current administration of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Gundiri has also insisted that future leaders must show stronger commitment to the priorities of indigenous communities.

Beyond its chairman, the forum also draws influence from several prominent figures who serve in different leadership roles.

Retired Lieutenant General Haladu Hananiya serves as the National Leader of the organisation, bringing military experience and national recognition to the group’s leadership structure.

In January 2025, the forum also inaugurated a Council of Elders made up of respected personalities from different sectors of society.

Among them are Senator Ishaku Abbo, former Governor Umaru Jibrilla Bindow, Senator Binos D. Yaroe, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Engr. Babachir Lawal, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Philemon Leha, retired Justice Bemare Bansi, and retired General Lawrence Ngubane.

Others include Professor Istifanus Zabadi, Chief Joel Hammajoda Madaki, Martins Babale, and several other influential figures.

The presence of individuals with backgrounds in politics, the military, the judiciary, and traditional institutions gives the forum a wide network of influence that cuts across political parties and generational lines.

The organisation has also been working with other groups to strengthen its message. It has collaborated with bodies such as the Adamawa Unity Forum and the Nigeria Indigenous Language Development Council.

At one of the recent gatherings, retired General Paul Tarfa chaired proceedings and praised the forum for its commitment to cultural unity and cooperation among Adamawa’s diverse communities.

Adamawa State is widely recognised as one of the most ethnically diverse states in Nigeria. Analysts estimate that more than 100 indigenous ethnic groups live across the state.

According to leaders of the Gongola Peoples Forum, the organisation represents more than 90 of these communities, most of which are non-Fulani ethnic groups.

These include groups such as Bachama (Bwatiye), Kilba, Margi, Mumuye, Chamba, Gude, Nzanyi, Yungur, Ga’anda, Bata, Lunguda, and many others spread across different parts of the state.

Many of these communities live in farming areas across southern, central, and northern Adamawa, where their population numbers are particularly strong.

Recent population estimates suggest that Adamawa State now has about 4.9 million residents. This figure reflects growth from the 2006 national census, which recorded roughly 3.18 million people in the state.

Data from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) shows that about 2,196,566 voters were registered during the 2023 general elections. Political observers believe the number could increase before the 2027 elections.

Supporters of the Gongola Peoples Forum argue that their influence stretches across more than half of the state’s 21 local government areas.

These areas include southern communities such as Numan, Demsa, Lamurde, and Guyuk, which are largely populated by the Bachama ethnic group.

In the northern hills, communities like Michika, Madagali, and Hong are home to groups such as the Kilba, Margi, and Huba.

Other local government areas where indigenous communities maintain a strong presence include Gombi, Jada, and parts of Fufore and Maiha.

Because of this wide geographic spread, analysts believe that a united voting bloc from these communities could significantly affect election outcomes.

In Nigeria’s governorship elections, a candidate must not only win the highest number of votes statewide but must also secure at least 25 per cent of votes in two-thirds of the local government areas.

In Adamawa State, that requirement means winning at least 25 per cent of votes in 14 out of the 21 local government areas.

Given the state’s diverse population, no single ethnic group holds an overwhelming majority. However, a coordinated coalition of communities can strongly influence the final outcome.

Leaders of the Gongola Peoples Forum have encouraged members to place their shared interests above political party loyalty.

According to them, the forum’s priorities include the protection of indigenous identity, the strengthening of traditional institutions, and greater political inclusion.

One of the group’s most controversial demands is the call to revert the state’s name from Adamawa back to Gongola.

Supporters argue that the name Gongola better reflects the historical identity of the various ethnic groups that once formed Gongola State before it was divided in 1991.

The campaign for this name change gained new attention in early 2025 when Engr. Markus Gundiri publicly revived the conversation during several public engagements.

Within the forum, the issue is seen as symbolic of fairness, recognition, and a shared sense of belonging among indigenous communities.

As the 2027 election approaches, political aspirants are already studying the potential impact of the Gongola Peoples Forum on the race.

Engaging with the forum through dialogue, policy commitments, and inclusive political strategies could help candidates gain support from large segments of the population.

On the other hand, ignoring the concerns raised by the group could make it difficult for candidates to win key votes in crucial local government areas.

For now, the GPF continues to strengthen its internal structure and mobilise supporters across the state.

Whether the forum ultimately becomes the kingmaker in Adamawa’s 2027 governorship election remains to be seen. But one thing is increasingly clear to many observers: the political landscape is shifting, and the influence of organised grassroots groups like the Gongola Peoples Forum may play a decisive role in determining who leads the state in the years ahead.