As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu has officially declared his intention to contest the Nasarawa State governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adamu reportedly made his intention known during a recent meeting with members of the APC State Working Committee in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital. His announcement comes at a time when public expectations for transparency, accountability, and integrity in political leadership are notably high.
However, Adamu’s career record and personal controversies are drawing renewed scrutiny that could influence his political journey. Serving as Nigeria’s 20th IGP from January 2019 to April 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, Adamu’s tenure coincided with some of the country’s most turbulent moments, including the #EndSARS protests of October 2020. The demonstrations, sparked by allegations of police brutality, escalated into nationwide unrest, with reports of casualties among protesters and security personnel. To date, there remains no official, independently verified figure on the casualties recorded during the protests.
His time as IGP also witnessed a surge in crime rates during the COVID-19 lockdown, raising concerns over security management. Further complicating his record, a 2019 audit report by the Auditor-General of the Federation cited the disappearance of at least 3,907 firearms from police armouries during his tenure. Although Adamu was not personally indicted, the report highlighted significant lapses in police asset management under his leadership.
Beyond professional issues, aspects of Adamu’s private life have also stirred public interest. Following his retirement, reports alleged that he divorced his four wives, including Hajia Fatima Adamu, then President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), and subsequently married a well-known socialite, Taiwo Kanley, popularly known as Lady Gucci. While personal matters are typically regarded as private, political analysts point out that in socially conservative areas like Nasarawa State, such developments can affect public perception and political prospects.
Despite these controversies, Adamu’s career achievements have also been recognised at the national level. In October 2022, he was conferred with the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) honour by former President Buhari for his contributions to national and international policing.
Since leaving office, Adamu has kept a relatively low profile, reportedly focusing on farming activities between Abuja and Nasarawa State. However, his official entry into the 2027 governorship race has reignited debates over his leadership legacy, ethical standards, and suitability for higher political office.
Party insiders and political observers suggest that while Adamu enjoys considerable respect for his service in law enforcement, his path to securing the APC ticket and winning the governorship will require rebuilding public trust, articulating a clear vision for the state, and addressing unresolved concerns about his past.
As political activities gather momentum ahead of 2027, Mohammed Adamu’s candidacy is expected to remain a subject of both intense scrutiny and public debate.