Adamawa Governor Fintiri Defects to APC, Cites Need for Strategic Alignment with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

Adamawa Governor Fintiri Defects to APC, Cites Need for Strategic Alignment with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

In a dramatic political realignment that reshuffles the deck ahead of future elections, Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has officially announced his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statewide broadcast to the people of Adamawa on Friday morning, Governor Fintiri described the decision as a “decisive and strategic” move necessary to align the state with national politics and leverage the benefits of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The Governor, who secured a landslide victory against an incumbent in 2019 and repeated the feat in 2023, began his address by acknowledging the “moral burden” of the mandates given to him by the electorate. He outlined his administration’s achievements in security, infrastructure, education, and empowerment, emphasizing that his government has always been guided by consultation, legality, and impact.

However, Fintiri stated that “recent events in the polity” necessitated a recalibration of the state’s political trajectory.

“After wide consultations with a large spectrum of our people, we have resolved to politically align Adamawa State with the All Progressives Congress (APC),” the Governor declared. “This alignment would enable Adamawa State to effectively support and leverage the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, which aims to transform the nation in critical sectors including social welfare, infrastructure, housing and inclusive economic development.”

The Governor was emphatic that the move was not driven by personal ambition but by the “long-term stability, development and prosperity of Adamawa State.” He assured citizens that this was a collective journey, revealing that he is moving into the APC with the full structure of his political machinery.

“We are moving into the APC with all the 226 wards, 21 Local Government areas, all elected and appointed members and indeed our energy and our political machinery to confer benefit to our state, the nation and our people,” Fintiri stated.

Quoting the late Senate President, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, the Governor framed the defection as “political sagacity” and a “political geometry” that places the state in a position of strength. He characterized the move as ending the era of “sideline politics” and returning Adamawa to the “mainstream” to secure more opportunities and a greater stake for its people.

Fintiri concluded his address by renewing his covenant with the citizens of the state, pledging to continue delivering infrastructure, empowerment, and unity, irrespective of the political platform.

“This is more than a promise. It is a sacred covenant. It is a bold walk into a guaranteed future for Adamawa State,” he said, calling on all his supporters to register massively in the APC.

The defection represents a significant boost for the APC in the North-East region and deals a substantial blow to the PDP, which loses one of its prominent governors just years before the next election cycle. Political analysts suggest this move could trigger further realignments in the state and beyond.