Youth empowerment remains the best weapon against insecurity —ADC candidate

Adamu Isah Tanko Jema’a (Mambo) is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) House of Representatives candidate for Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency in Kaduna State. In this interview by our Northern Bureau Chief, MUHAMMAD SABIU, he shares his views on the politics of Southern Kaduna and explains why he believes the ADC stands a better chance of winning some positions despite being in the opposition.

People seeing you for the first time would want to know who you are. What answer would you give them?

Thank you very much for having me. I would say my name is Adamu Isah Tanko Jema’a, also known as ‘Mabo’. I was born and bred in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the Nigerian Defence Academy Postgraduate School. Before joining politics, I worked with the Federal Character Commission (FCC). That, in brief, is who I am.

lt is interesting to see a statistician and former civil servant venturing into politics. What attracted you to politics?

My decision to join politics is largely driven by the need for better representation of my constituency. When I compare the Jema’a Federal Constituency with others across the country, I see that we have been left behind in terms of development, infrastructure and effective representation.

I have watched representatives from other constituencies lobby for projects, attract federal interventions and speak passionately about the needs of their people. Unfortunately, that has not been our experience. As a young Nigerian, I believe I have the energy, capacity and understanding of what it means to serve as a representative. I decided to come forward, participate in the political process and contribute my quota to the development of my constituency and Nigeria at large.

One would have expected you to join the APC since Kaduna is largely an APC-controlled state. Why ADC?

To contest any elective position in Nigeria, one must belong to a political party. While the APC remains the ruling party, I believe it has failed to live up to the expectations and promises it made to Nigerians.

Many Nigerians believed the APC would rescue the country and deliver on its manifesto. Unfortunately, the leadership and policies we are witnessing today do not reflect those expectations. Our people have become disappointed and are looking for alternatives.

I chose the ADC because I believe it offers a platform that embraces young people and women and gives them opportunities to contribute meaningfully to governance. The party’s ideals align more closely with the aspirations of Nigerians at this critical moment.

I am also inspired by leaders such as Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, whose record in public service is there for everyone to see. He remains a political leader many people in Kaduna respect. The people in my constituency have resolved to support him wherever he goes politically, and now that he is in the ADC, I have joined him to continue supporting the good work he has championed over the years.

Looking at Jema’a Federal Constituency, what exactly do you intend to do to transform the area?

When you compare Jema’a with other federal constituencies, one begins to ask whether we are truly being represented. If we are, then what exactly is our representative doing?

The major responsibilities of legislators include sponsoring bills, raising issues affecting their constituents and attracting developmental projects. Unfortunately, we have not seen enough of that.

Take, for instance, the General Hospital in Kafanchan. It was upgraded to a Federal Medical Centre over a year ago, just like several others across Nigeria that are already operational. However, ours is yet to take off properly. Today, patients and medical personnel are confused about whether the facility remains under the Kaduna State Government or has fully transitioned to the Federal Government.

These are the kinds of issues that our representatives should be aggressively pursuing and lobbying for. Beyond healthcare, there are pressing concerns in road infrastructure, education, youth empowerment and economic development that require urgent attention.

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When you compare our situation with constituencies where legislators are actively attracting projects and contributing meaningfully on the floor of the House of Representatives, it becomes obvious that we deserve better.

We cannot continue to fold our arms while ineffective representation persists. Young, energetic and capable individuals must step forward to ensure our people are adequately represented. We owe it to future generations to contribute positively to the political and developmental progress of our constituency.

As a young politician, what do you specifically have to offer youths and women who constitute a significant portion of the electorate?

That is precisely why we are in politics. In fact, it is largely the youths who encouraged and persuaded us to contest. I believe that young people and women remain the backbone of every democratic society. We have enormous plans for them, particularly in the areas of leadership development, education, employment and entrepreneurship.

Many of the leaders we celebrate today began their political journeys at a young age. Unfortunately, despite the changing realities of our society and the rapid growth of our population, governance has remained largely unchanged. We are now living in a digital age, yet adequate attention is not being paid to the digital revolution and its opportunities.

As a young person myself, I understand the challenges facing our youths. I understand the struggles associated with education, unemployment and the need for self-reliance. I know what it takes to build opportunities and create sustainable livelihoods.

The government must provide an enabling environment for young people to thrive. What the youths are asking for is security, quality education and opportunities to grow their businesses and careers. Nigerian youths are hardworking and innovative, but many are being denied opportunities due to insecurity and poor governance.

Security remains a major challenge. Young people are often the most vulnerable to recruitment by criminal groups. If government policies are designed to include and empower them, many will have meaningful alternatives and contribute positively to society.

We must ensure that no group feels marginalised. Inclusiveness and empowerment remain critical to sustainable peace and development.

Looking at the strength of your party and with 2027 approaching, do you believe the ADC has a chance?

The ADC has demonstrated resilience despite numerous challenges. I do not know of any other opposition party that could withstand the kind of political pressure currently being experienced.

Yes, we have had internal challenges, but through the consistency and commitment of our leaders, we have been able to address many of them. The party is becoming more united across Kaduna State and beyond.

Our supporters are enthusiastic and ready for 2027. We have been holding strategic meetings and strengthening our structures at both the state and local government levels.

Rather than being distracted by political attacks, we remain focused on our objectives and campaign strategies. We strongly believe that political power ultimately belongs to the people and that democracy provides citizens the opportunity to make their choices through the ballot.

Many Nigerians are dissatisfied with the current state of affairs and are looking for alternatives. We believe the ADC presents one of those alternatives and offers hope for positive change.

Is there anything I have not asked that you would like to comment on?

My message to our supporters, especially young people, is simple: remain law-abiding and peaceful at all times. Politics should never become a do-or-die affair.

We understand that political tensions are likely to increase as the 2027 elections approach. Therefore, I urge our supporters not to allow themselves to be provoked. Exercise restraint and always operate within the confines of the law.

Our desire to contribute to nation-building should never come at the expense of human lives. Remain calm, focused and disciplined.

As the saying goes, if you do not stop to respond to every barking dog along your journey, you may never reach your destination. Ignore distractions and remain committed to the larger goal of building a better Nigeria.

I pray that God will save our country and grant us peaceful, credible and successful elections in 2027.