Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a major political realignment in the North-East.
In a statewide broadcast delivered from Yola on Friday, the governor said the decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders across the state and was driven by the long-term development interests of Adamawa rather than personal or political convenience.
Governor Fintiri recalled the overwhelming mandates given to his administration in the 2019 and 2023 governorship elections, describing them as a “moral burden” that continues to guide every policy and political decision of his government.
He highlighted key achievements of his administration, including improved security architecture, massive investments in road construction, healthcare, education, housing and markets, youth and women empowerment programmes, as well as the creation of new chiefdoms, emirates and districts aimed at strengthening inclusion and traditional governance.
According to the governor, recent political developments at the national level made it imperative for Adamawa State to reposition itself within mainstream politics.
“There are seasons for political exigencies just as there are seasons for political expedience,” Fintiri said, noting that alignment with the ruling party at the centre would enhance Adamawa’s access to opportunities and national relevance.
He explained that the move to the APC would enable the state to more effectively align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in critical areas such as infrastructure development, social welfare, housing and inclusive economic growth.
Governor Fintiri stressed that the defection was collective rather than symbolic, announcing that all 226 wards, 21 local government areas, elected and appointed officials, as well as the party’s grassroots structures across the state, would move with him into the APC.
Calling on supporters to embrace the new political direction, the governor urged mass registration and active participation in the APC, assuring citizens that the administration’s development agenda would remain unchanged.
Quoting late Senate President Dr. Chuba Okadigbo on the importance of political calculation, Fintiri described the defection as “political sagacity in action,” arguing that strategic alignments are normal features of functional democracies.
He declared that Adamawa had exited what he termed “sideline politics” and was now fully re-entering national mainstream politics with greater bargaining power and influence.
Reaffirming his commitment to governance, the governor pledged continued investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, job creation, scholarships, youth and women empowerment, and peaceful coexistence across the state.
“This is more than a promise. It is a sacred covenant,” he said, assuring citizens that the ultimate goal of the political shift is a more prosperous and influential Adamawa State within the Nigerian federation.
