Agriculture Takes Center Stage As Abbati Eyes Adamawa Central Senate Seat

Hanny Henry

Abdulhameed Abbati, a former head of Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), has placed agriculture and rural development at the heart of his campaign message.

Declaring his intentions to contest the 2027 senatorial seat for Adamawa Central,  at Fasnet cinema, in Yola, Abbati framed his ambition around unlocking the agricultural and economic potential of Adamawa State, a region known for its fertile land, active farming communities, and growing livestock sector.

 He  emphasized that improving agricultural productivity and value chains would be central to his legislative agenda.

Abbati, who is seeking the ticket of the All Progressives Congress, pointed to persistent barriers facing the district’s agribusiness landscape. These include seasonal flooding affecting farmlands, limited irrigation infrastructure, poor rural roads hindering market access, and inadequate financing for smallholder farmers.

Drawing on his experience in agricultural risk management and finance, he pledged to champion policies that would expand access to credit, strengthen insurance for farmers, and attract federal investment into irrigation and livestock development. He also stressed the need to better connect farmers to national programs and institutions that support agricultural growth.

“We have the land, the people, and the opportunity,” Abbati said, noting that with effective representation, Adamawa Central could become a hub for both crop and livestock production.

He highlighted opportunities within federal initiatives such as the student loan scheme managed by NELFUND and programs under the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, suggesting that stronger legislative advocacy could help channel these resources into local communities.

Beyond agriculture, Abbati linked rural development to broader economic outcomes, including job creation, improved food security, and reduced poverty.

He promised to focus on practical legislative work, such as sponsoring bills, lobbying for constituency projects, and ensuring implementation oversight, rather than symbolic representation.

Noting  that his background in agribusiness will resonate strongly in a largely rural constituency where farming and livestock remain primary sources of livelihood.

Abbati also struck a conciliatory tone on party politics, reaffirming loyalty to party leadership and pledging to respect internal decisions regarding candidate selection.