…Fintiri said evolving political realities required bold and strategic choices,
ADAMAWA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Ahmadu Fintiri on Friday formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress, ending months of uncertainty surrounding his political future.
In a 14-minute statewide broadcast delivered from his new office, the governor announced that he had moved to the APC alongside his entire cabinet and all PDP officials, describing the decision as one taken in the developmental interest of Adamawa State.
Shortly after the address, PDP flags were removed from the governor’s office and across the Government House.
Addressing residents, Fintiri said he chose to speak directly to them because of the significance of the moment and the enduring support they had shown him.
He recalled the overwhelming mandate he received in 2019 against an incumbent and the renewed backing in 2023 despite challenging circumstances, noting that both he and the PDP had remained strong in the hearts of the people. He acknowledged the weight of responsibility placed on his administration by that collective mandate.
According to him, the defection, along with commissioners, party officials and supporters across the 226 wards and 21 local government areas was aimed at repositioning the state for greater development. He urged supporters to integrate into the APC, register in large numbers and prepare for what he described as a promising future.
Fintiri said evolving political realities required bold and strategic choices, stressing that his administration had always been guided by consultation, legality and measurable impact. He maintained that the move was neither driven by personal ambition nor convenience, but by the long-term stability, growth and prosperity of the state.
After what he described as extensive consultations with stakeholders, he said the decision was reached to align Adamawa politically with the APC in order to better connect with national politics and leverage federal opportunities.
He added that the alignment would enable the state to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he said focuses on social welfare, infrastructure, housing and inclusive economic growth.
Quoting former Senate President Chuba Okadigbo, Fintiri said political wisdom involves understanding political arithmetic, adding that the move reflected strategic calculation rather than impulse.
He described the alignment as mutually beneficial and a pragmatic step designed to enhance Adamawa’s political relevance and deliver greater democratic dividends. According to him, the decision signals the end of what he termed years of sideline politics and marks the state’s return to the national mainstream.
Speaking with journalists, Chairman of the Adamawa State Commissioners’ Forum, Mr. Aloysius Babadoke, confirmed that all commissioners had joined the APC, pledging loyalty to the governor’s leadership and development agenda.
Fintiri was subsequently registered in the APC and issued membership card number 001.
Ahead of the governor’s defection, 15 of the 16 state House of Assembly members elected on the PDP platform, including Speaker Bathiya Wesley, had earlier switched to the APC.
Speculation about Fintiri’s move began in 2024 after the state APC Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi, disclosed in an interview that the party was courting the governor. The rumours intensified following President Tinubu’s recent visit to Yola to inaugurate projects
