Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri Poised to Defect from PDP to APC Ahead of 2027 Elections
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State is reportedly in the final stages of preparations to defect from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. Sources close to the discussions indicate that the governor has been conducting extensive consultations with federal and state lawmakers from Adamawa, signaling that the defection process is nearing completion.
Ramadan Iftar Fuels Defection Speculation
Speculation regarding Governor Fintiri's political future reached a fever pitch over the weekend when he hosted a Ramadan Iftar at the Government House in Yola. The event was attended by a delegation from the APC, led by the party's North-east zonal chairman, Mustapha Salihu, along with members of the Adamawa State Executive Council.
Although officially described as a social and inter-party engagement, the gathering has been widely interpreted as a significant step toward the governor's anticipated crossover. Addressing the rumors, Governor Fintiri emphasized that the meeting was intended to foster unity across party lines.
"Coming together in the spirit of Ramadan strengthens dialogue, deepens cooperation, and reinforces our collective commitment to peace, stability, and sustainable development in Adamawa State," the governor stated.
Internal APC Resistance Emerges Amid Defection Plans
The Iftar took place against a backdrop of reported resistance from certain factions within the APC in Adamawa, who are said to be uncomfortable with the prospect of the governor joining their ranks. Despite this pushback, a circulating online video shows Governor Fintiri confidently addressing his supporters, outlining the breadth of his political backing within the state.
In the video, the governor listed three senators, five members of the House of Representatives, sixteen members of the State House of Assembly, and all twenty-one local government chairmen as being aligned with him. He further asserted that his cabinet and senior officials remain firmly behind his leadership.
"I have the deputy governor, the senators, the representatives, and the chairpersons. What do you have?" the governor questioned, in an apparent retort to his critics.
President Tinubu's Visit Adds Momentum to Defection Rumors
The governor's anticipated defection follows a recent visit to Adamawa by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who commissioned several projects in the state and publicly praised Fintiri's administration. During the visit, President Tinubu commended the governor's performance, describing the inaugurated projects as impactful and far-reaching.
"You will leave Adamawa State far better than the way you found it. I was truly impressed by what I witnessed and the projects commissioned today. The schools you built are weapons for fighting poverty and insecurity, while simultaneously boosting the economy of the country; you deserve to be celebrated by your people and all Nigerians," the president remarked.
PDP's North-east Grip Weakens with Potential Defection
If Governor Fintiri formally defects, he would follow in the footsteps of Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, further eroding the PDP's influence in the North-east region. Following the 2023 general elections, the PDP controlled three of the region's six governorships—Adamawa, Taraba, and Bauchi State.
With Adamawa now seemingly on the verge of switching sides, Bauchi could soon stand as the party's lone stronghold in the zone. This potential shift underscores the ongoing political realignments as parties strategize for the upcoming 2027 elections.
