Bauchi AAC Governorship candidate, Usman Adamu
Governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Bauchi State, Alhaji Usman Adamu, popularly known as Danchina, has warned against what he described as Nigeria’s “dangerous addiction” to borrowing, urging the country to embrace self-reliance through agriculture and local productivity.
Danchina, who spoke to journalists in Jos, said continued borrowing without sufficient capacity to service existing debts could expose the country’s assets and future revenues to increasing financial pressure.
“This issue of credits and loans is perilous. We have not even serviced our debts, yet we continue to borrow. Soon, we may find ourselves mortgaging our assets,” he warned.
The AAC candidate argued that Nigeria had sufficient natural and human resources to build a productive economy without excessive dependence on external funding and federal allocations.
“Government alone cannot do everything. We must start thinking differently. Self-reliance is no longer an option; it is the only way forward,” he stated.
Danchina said the country’s dependence on government employment and federal allocations had limited opportunities for citizens, stressing the need to strengthen agriculture, entrepreneurship and local production.
He identified agriculture as a major pathway to economic recovery, saying Nigeria’s fertile land, abundant rainfall and large youth population could be better harnessed to create employment and generate wealth.
“Nigeria has fertile land, abundant rainfall, and a vibrant youth population. If we focus on training our young people early and engaging them productively, we can rejuvenate the economy from the grassroots,” he said.
Danchina also linked the country’s economic difficulties to declining purchasing power and rising inflation, arguing that economic growth must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Turning to his plans for Bauchi State if elected governor in 2027, he pledged to reduce the state’s dependence on federal allocations by promoting local productivity, agriculture and industrialisation.
He said his administration would prioritise large-scale agricultural initiatives, infrastructure development and an enabling environment for youth entrepreneurship and private-sector investment.
“I can assure you that if we focus on local productivity, Bauchi will stand strong on its own,” he said.
Danchina further advocated greater local processing of Nigeria’s mineral resources, saying value addition would create jobs and ensure that more wealth generated from the country’s resources remained within the economy.
Drawing from his experience in the mining sector, he called for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations and reclamation laws to prevent mining activities from destroying communities and livelihoods.
“Mining should not destroy lives. Companies must restore sites after operations. We cannot afford to lose both resources and lives due to negligence,” he said.
On insecurity, Danchina attributed part of the problem to poverty and unemployment, advocating a community-based approach to security and greater vigilance by local authorities.
He also called for religious tolerance and unity among Christians and Muslims, saying religion should not be used to justify violence.
“No one has the moral right to kill in the name of God. Religion should guide us, not divide us,” he said.
Danchina said Nigeria remained capable of overcoming its economic and security challenges if leaders focused on productive sectors and citizens were given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
