Fintiri Dumps PDP, Moves to APC with Majority of Adamawa Cabinet

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant political shift in the state’s leadership. The announcement was made during a statewide broadcast on Friday, in which the governor confirmed his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In his address, Fintiri stated that his decision was guided by what he described as the need to accelerate development and strengthen governance in Adamawa. He said aligning with the ruling party at the federal level would enable the state to attract more support and deliver projects more efficiently.

The governor also disclosed that the majority of his cabinet members and key stakeholders within the PDP structure in the state had moved with him to the APC, signalling a coordinated political realignment rather than an individual decision.

Cabinet Realignment and Notable Absences

Out of the 24 commissioners serving in the Adamawa State Executive Council, 22 reportedly followed the governor to the APC. Their names and signatures were documented in a list made available shortly after the broadcast.

However, two commissioners were absent during the announcement at the Government House in Yola. Among them was Adamu Atiku, Commissioner for Works and Energy Development, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Also absent was Maksha Atiku, Commissioner for Livestock.

Sources within the government suggested that Adamu Atiku declined to defect due to loyalty to his father’s political alignment. Observers noted that such a move could have raised questions about political positioning within the Atiku family, particularly in light of shifting alliances at the national level.

Political Reactions and Internal Tension in PDP

The development has sparked reactions within the PDP at both state and national levels. The Tanimu Turaki-led PDP National Working Committee described the governor’s defection as disappointing, asserting that it undermines the principles of multi-party democracy.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP acknowledged that while the governor’s action was within his constitutional rights, it reflected what the party termed a departure from political principles and loyalty. The statement emphasised that history and posterity would judge the decision.

Party officials urged members in Adamawa State to remain calm and composed, assuring supporters that the PDP would reorganise and continue its activities in the state despite the setback.

Implications for Adamawa and National Politics

Political analysts view Fintiri’s defection as a development with implications beyond Adamawa State. As a two-term governor elected under the PDP platform, his movement to the APC may reshape the balance of power in the North-East region.

The decision also introduces a new dimension to ongoing political alignments ahead of future elections. While the governor has framed his move as development-driven, critics argue that it reflects broader strategic considerations within Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

For residents of Adamawa, attention now turns to how the realignment will affect governance, policy continuity, and federal-state collaboration in the coming months.