Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has described his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a strategic move aimed at strengthening the party and securing at least 85% of votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The governor made this known on Monday in Yola during an APC stakeholders’ meeting attended by party leaders and supporters.
According to Fintiri, the political structures currently existing within the APC in Adamawa State were originally established by him and his associates in 2014. He said this made it seamless for him and his supporters to rejoin the party.
“All the structures that are in APC today were formed by us in 2014. That is why we find it easy and seamless to join and even sacrifice our former positions,” he said.
Governor Fintiri explained that his decision to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was not driven by personal ambition but by the need to consolidate peace, stability and development in Adamawa State. He claimed that the PDP’s structure in the State had weakened significantly at the State, Local Government and Ward levels, contributing to the ongoing political realignment.
“Platforms can change, but our desire to serve humanity has not changed. This is a brand-new movement. We are not defecting; we are aligning for the common good,” he said.
He stressed that the realignment would boost the APC’s electoral prospects in Adamawa ahead of future polls and guarantee victory for President Tinubu and all APC candidates in subsequent elections.
“We’re not here to take over or dislodge anyone, but to strengthen the APC and deliver President Tinubu in 2027. Let us come out with our forceful political capacity. We shall work together in peace and harmony in a stable political environment and ensure we conquer and deliver to Mr President, Bola Tinubu with at least 85%,” he said.
Governor Fintiri pledged loyalty and submission to party leadership, assuring that his administration would continue to deliver services to the people. He maintained that his Government remains committed to the development of Adamawa State and promised to work collaboratively with APC members at all levels.
He extended a hand of fellowship to party stakeholders and called for unity, discipline and loyalty to ensure the party’s continued growth and electoral success in the state. He also urged grassroots meetings across wards and local government areas to solidify the new political alignment and encouraged former PDP members to integrate into the APC with discipline and maturity.
The governor assured party faithful of his commitment to justice, fairness and inclusivity, emphasising that leadership must be guided by equity and mutual respect. He also highlighted Adamawa’s achievements, citing international recognition that ranked the state among top-performing subnational governments in the country.
Governor Fintiri commended President Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for their support during the defection process and urged APC members to warmly receive new entrants.
Earlier at the meeting, Idi Mukhtar, the Minister of Livestock Development, described the development as momentous and expressed confidence in Adamawa’s capacity to deliver victory for the APC.
“Today we formally receive the governor; today we are united under one flag. We are moving forward and making progress. We have the capacity to deliver victory for the APC and take our rightful place in the comity of states,” he said.
