Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State on Monday formally declared himself the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, days after his high-profile defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Fintiri made the declaration in Yola during a reception organised by APC leaders to welcome him and members of his political structure into the party. His remarks appeared to counter suggestions that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who has long been regarded as a leading APC figure in Adamawa, would retain the party’s leadership in the state.
Addressing supporters, Fintiri repeatedly described himself as the party’s leader, pledging to ensure unity and electoral victory.
“As leader of the party, I will ensure that we work together in unity,” he said. “What we are focused on is winning elections. Losing is not in our dictionary.”
The governor urged party members to combine their goodwill and resources to strengthen the APC’s position ahead of future elections, while assuring long-standing members that his move was not intended to sideline anyone.
“We are here for partnership. This is not a takeover mission. We are aligning for the good of Adamawa people,” Fintiri stated.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and Nuhu Ribadu for what he described as goodwill during his transition to the APC. He also commended those who defected alongside him from the PDP, praising their loyalty and their willingness to work under the state party chairman, Idris Shuaibu.
Earlier, the Adamawa APC Chairman, Idris Shuaibu, said the governor’s defection, alongside key members of his administration, strengthened the party’s prospects in the state.
“Unity is manifesting, success is certain,” Shuaibu said.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described Fintiri’s entry into the APC as a positive development for Adamawa State.
“Together we will progress. We are taking our rightful place in the polity,” he said.
The APC National Vice Chairman for the North East, Mustapha Salihu, welcomed the governor and his supporters, thanking them for joining the party. He also acknowledged the contributions of former PDP Chairman in the state, Hamza Bello, and other senior figures who defected to the APC.
Fintiri’s defection marks a significant political realignment in Adamawa State, potentially reshaping the balance of power ahead of future electoral contests.
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