News Rendezvous

An Exclusive Interview Between Rendezvous and Dr. Umar Dauda Duhu, LLM, Ph.D.

Introduction

As political realignments and succession debates continue to shape the atmosphere within the ruling party in Adamawa State, questions surrounding party discipline, loyalty, and institutional authority have remained central to public discourse.

In this exclusive interview with Rendezvous, legal scholar, policy analyst, and political stakeholder, Dr. Umar Dauda Duhu, speaks extensively on why he has thrown his support behind Ahmed Tijjani Galadima.

Drawing from his legal background and years of political participation, Dr. Duhu explains the importance of respecting party structures, the authority of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, and why collective responsibility must override individual political ambition in sustaining stability within the party and the state.

Rendezvous:

Dr. Umar Duhu, recently you publicly declared support for Ahmed Tijjani Galadima. What informed your decision?

Dr. Umar Dauda Duhu:

My support for Ahmed Tijjani Galadima is rooted in principle, not convenience. I believe strongly in institutional order, party discipline, and collective responsibility. Politics must operate within the framework of due process and respect for party hierarchy. Once a system has followed its internal mechanisms and leadership has made its position clear, loyal members have a duty to align with that direction.For me, Ahmed Tijjani Galadima represents continuity, stability, and adherence to the party’s internal democratic structure.

Rendezvous:

You often speak about party discipline. Why is it so important in a democratic system?

Dr. Umar Dauda Duhu:

Political parties are institutions governed by rules, procedures, and collective agreements. Without discipline, political parties descend into chaos and personal ambition begins to override public interest. Democracy itself depends on order.As a legal scholar, I believe deeply in the principle of pacta sunt servanda, agreements must be respected. When party members willingly participate in a structure, they must also respect the outcome of that structure, even when it may not personally favour them. The moment individuals place themselves above party institutions, the system begins to weaken.

Rendezvous:

Some people argue that loyalty to individuals can undermine democratic ideals. How do you respond to that?

Dr. Umar Dauda Duhu:

What I advocate is not blind loyalty to an individual. It is loyalty to legitimate authority and institutional leadership.

In every organized system, whether judicial, legislative, or administrative, hierarchy exists for stability and continuity.Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri remains the recognized leader of the party and government in Adamawa State. Respecting his political judgment is part of preserving party cohesion and ensuring governance continuity.Institutional fidelity must always come before personal preference.

Rendezvous:

You described your loyalty to Governor Fintiri as “absolute and non-negotiable.” Why such a strong position?

Dr. Umar Dauda Duhu:

Because leadership requires consistency and trust. Over the years, I have maintained a clear record of loyalty to party principles and leadership. I have never engaged in anti-party activities and I do not intend to begin now.My conviction is simple: whoever the system sanctions and the Governor approves, I support.

That consistency has defined my public service and political participation.This is not about personal gain; it is about preserving order within the party and preventing unnecessary fragmentation.

Rendezvous:

What, specifically, makes Ahmed Tijjani Galadima the right choice at this moment?

Dr. Umar Dauda Duhu:

Ahmed Tijjani Galadima’s emergence reflects alignment with the broader vision of continuity and stability in Adamawa State. His candidacy represents procedural legitimacy and respect for party structure.Adamawa needs leaders who understand governance as a responsibility built on law, policy continuity, and public trust. We cannot afford political instability driven by unchecked ambition.His alignment with the Governor’s developmental vision gives confidence that governance momentum will not be disrupted.

Rendezvous:

There are growing tensions within political circles ahead of future elections. What message do you have for party members?

Dr. Umar Dauda Duhu:

My appeal is simple: let us prioritize unity over division. Political disagreements are normal, but they must not destroy the party structure.Every loyal member must understand that no individual is greater than the institution.

Once decisions are made through recognized channels, members should rally behind those decisions for the greater good of the party and the state.Discipline, patience, and loyalty are essential for political stability.

Rendezvous:

As a legal scholar and policy expert, how do you see the relationship between law and politics in Nigeria today?

Dr. Umar Dauda Duhu:

Law and politics are inseparable in any constitutional democracy. Politics without legal order becomes arbitrary, while law without political will becomes ineffective.

Nigeria’s democracy will only mature when political actors begin to respect institutions, internal party regulations, and constitutional principles. We must move away from personality-driven politics and strengthen institutional governance.That is why I continue to emphasize order, legitimacy, and procedural integrity.

Rendezvous:

Finally, what is your message to the people of Adamawa State?

Dr. Umar Dauda Duhu:

My message is one of unity and continuity. Adamawa State must continue on the path of stability, development, and institutional governance.I urge all loyal party members and supporters to stand firmly behind Ahmed Tijjani Galadima and support the leadership direction of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

History has shown that societies progress when institutions are respected and collective interests prevail over individual ambitions.That remains my position today.Interview conducted by Rendezvous Media Team