By Ayo Kehinde
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a news conference in Yola on Friday, Fintiri announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that members of his cabinet, political allies and the entire party structure in the state had moved with him into the APC.
The governor said the decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders across the state and was driven primarily by the need to accelerate development and strategically align Adamawa with the Federal Government for greater opportunities and resources.
“I have taken this decision after wide consultations and careful reflection on what best serves the interest of the people of Adamawa State”, Fintiri said, stressing that governance and development priorities outweighed partisan considerations.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, a key element of the arrangement is the transfer of control of the APC structure in Adamawa State to Fintiri, effectively positioning him as the party’s leader in the state following his defection.
However, Fintiri explained that the political realignment would enable the state to effectively support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, particularly in social welfare, infrastructure development, housing and inclusive economic growth.
According to him, the move was not motivated by personal ambition, but by what he described as the overriding interest of Adamawa residents and the need to reposition the state within mainstream national politics.
“This alignment would enable Adamawa to leverage federal collaboration and attract investments that will enhance long-term stability, development and prosperity”, he said.
The governor disclosed that he joined the APC, alongside political structures across the state’s 226 wards and 21 local government areas, including elected and appointed officials.
“Wherever we go from here, we are going as a collective body with the required political strength and the numbers that confer value”, he stated, adding that the movement included the state’s political machinery and grassroots supporters.
Highlighting achievements of his administration, Fintiri cited progress in security, road construction, healthcare, education, housing and market development, as well as improvements in water supply and electricity access. He also referenced youth and women empowerment programmes and the creation of new chiefdoms, emirates and districts to promote inclusion and grassroots development.
The governor assured residents that ongoing projects and social programmes would continue without interruption, pledging sustained investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare, job creation and scholarship schemes.
He urged supporters to register with the APC and remain actively engaged in the political process, describing the defection as a collective decision intended to advance the interests of Adamawa State and its people.
Political analysts say the move represents a significant realignment in Adamawa’s political landscape and could reshape party dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly as the APC seeks to consolidate influence across the North-East.
