Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), bringing an end to days of intense political speculation in the state.
In a statewide broadcast on Friday, the governor confirmed that he moved to the APC alongside members of his cabinet and several key PDP officials in Adamawa, describing the decision as one driven by the “overriding interest of our people.”
“This decision was not taken lightly,” Fintiri said. “After wide consultations with stakeholders across the state, I am convinced that aligning with the All Progressives Congress will strengthen governance in Adamawa and open new pathways for development.”
He added that the move was aimed at fostering unity and positioning the state within what he described as “broader national development priorities.”
“Our administration remains committed to delivering dividends of democracy,” the governor stated. “By joining the ruling party at the centre, we are better placed to attract federal collaboration, deepen infrastructural development, and ensure that Adamawa is not left behind in national progress.”
The governor’s defection follows closely on the heels of the resignation of 15 members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly from the PDP earlier in the week. Among them were Speaker Bathiya Wesley and his deputy, Buba Jijiwa.
The lawmakers cited the “lingering crisis” within the PDP as the primary reason for their departure.
“The internal divisions have made it increasingly difficult to function effectively as a united political family,” one of the defecting lawmakers said. “Our decision is guided by the need for stability and effective representation of our constituents.”
Fintiri’s exit further weakens the PDP’s hold on power at the sub-national level, leaving the party with just three governors nationwide.
Political observers say the coordinated movement of the governor, cabinet members, and lawmakers signal a significant shift in Adamawa’s political landscape.
“This is more than an individual defection, it represents a structural realignment of power in the state,” a Yola-based political analyst noted. “When a sitting governor moves with a large segment of the political establishment, it alters party dominance and reshapes calculations ahead of future elections.”
The development is expected to recalibrate political alliances in Adamawa, with potential ripple effects on grassroots mobilization, legislative dynamics, and upcoming electoral activities.
For now, Governor Fintiri insists the focus remains on governance.
“This is about Adamawa first,” he declared. “Our responsibility is to ensure peace, stability, and accelerated development for our people, regardless of political platform.”
The coming weeks are likely to test how seamlessly the transition unfolds, and whether the governor’s gamble will consolidate power for the APC in a state long considered a PDP stronghold.
