Salihu unveiled his nomination and expression of interest forms on Tuesday afternoon in Yola before a large crowd of supporters, during which he also inaugurated his campaign office.

While addressing his supporters, he solicited their backing for his governorship ambition and called on APC members to remain united and loyal, stressing that party cohesion would be key to electoral success.

Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Bathiya Wesley, noted that Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has set a strong standard in governance, adding that Salihu possesses the capacity to build on those achievements as a worthy successor.

The event was attended by notable political figures, including Senator Binta Masi Garba, former House of Representatives member Captain Yusuf Buba, and several serving members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, among others.

In a statement shared on his verified X handle on Tuesday, Jonathan said Yar’Adua was not only a leader but also a servant of the people who consistently placed national stability above personal or political interests.

He described the late president as a man of quiet but strong conviction, who believed that a nation’s strength lies in its commitment to the rule of law and respect for the electoral process.

Jonathan also prayed for Allah to grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus.

He noted that May 5, 2026, marks 16 years since Nigeria lost Yar’Adua, describing him as a hero, patriot, and a trusted partner in nation-building.

Reflecting on their relationship, Jonathan said Yar’Adua was not just his boss but also a brother with whom he shared a common vision of building a just, inclusive, and united Nigeria.

According to him, their collaboration was rooted in a shared commitment to justice as a lived reality for all citizens rather than just a political slogan.

He further praised Yar’Adua’s contributions to peace-building, noting that the late president understood that genuine nation-building requires honesty, courage to confront challenges, and willingness to correct national shortcomings.

Jonathan said Yar’Adua’s leadership remains a lasting lesson, stressing that governance is a sacred responsibility that must be guided by transparency, accountability, and genuine love for the people.

He added that even 16 years after his passing, Yar’Adua’s achievements continue to speak for him, urging Nigerians to renew their commitment to the ideals he stood for.

Speaking during a meeting with EU Heads of Mission at the European Union House in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike expressed optimism about sustained collaboration with European countries to support the continued development of the FCT.

The meeting was chaired by the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, and was attended by envoys from several EU nations, including Italy, Austria, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, and others.

Ambassador Mignot, while introducing the minister, described the EU as Nigeria’s leading trade and investment partner.

During his address, Wike outlined the FCTA’s governance priorities, highlighted major investment opportunities within the capital city, and discussed Nigeria’s evolving political environment.

He described Abuja as a business-friendly capital with vast opportunities in sectors such as real estate, housing, entertainment, tourism, agriculture, solid minerals, and waste management.

Wike appreciated the EU Delegation for its continued partnership with Nigeria, noting that the collaboration aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, the FCTA’s major priorities include infrastructure development, urban and rural transformation, security, education, healthcare, social welfare, land administration reforms, revenue generation, and the rule of law.

He explained that the administration has made strategic investments in infrastructure by expanding road networks, improving public transportation, and enhancing water supply to stimulate economic growth and social inclusion.

On security, Wike disclosed that the administration has strengthened security architecture through the construction of 12 fully equipped divisional police headquarters and officers’ quarters across the six area councils of the FCT.

Responding to questions from the diplomats, Wike described electoral reforms, including provisions for electronic transmission of election results, as part of broader governance measures aimed at enhancing transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s democratic process.

He also said the increasing use of legal and constitutional channels to resolve political disputes reflects growing public trust in the judiciary and Nigeria’s maturing democracy.

The minister stressed that opposition politics in a developing democracy like Nigeria should focus on offering constructive alternatives rather than fueling instability.

Wike further stated that under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is gradually shifting toward governance driven more by competence than ethnic, religious, or partisan divisions.

He noted improved cooperation between the Executive and Legislature, describing both institutions as partners working together to implement policies for national development.

Speaking on the Tinubu administration’s policy direction, Wike said the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda is built on bold economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification, tax reforms, social intervention programmes, support for small businesses, and student loan initiatives aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.

While acknowledging Nigeria’s security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts, he said the government remains committed to strengthening intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation, and technological capacity to tackle insecurity.