Adamawa governor visits APC headquarters, backs Tinubu for second term

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has visited the national headquarters of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, where he met with the party’s national leadership days after defecting from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

During the visit on Wednesday, Mr Fintiri was received by the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and members of the party’s National Working Committee, according to party officials.

The governor pledged loyalty to the APC and said his move was aimed at strengthening the party ahead of future elections. He also expressed support for President Bola Tinubu, saying the president’s economic reforms, though initially difficult, were beginning to show results anddeserved continuity.

Mr Fintiri’s visit follows his formal defection from the PDP to the ruling APC in late February, a move he said came after consultations with stakeholders across Adamawa State and was taken in the “best interest” of the state.

During the meeting with party leaders, the governor also pledged to mobilise strong support for the APC in the state ahead of the next general elections, saying political structures in Adamawa had aligned with the ruling party. Some reports quoted him as promising to deliver a large majority of votes for the APC in the 2027 presidential election.

APC National Chairman Prof. Yilwatda welcomed the governor’s move, describing it as a significant boost to the party’s growing influence in the north-east region. The defection has reshaped the political landscape in Adamawa, a state that has long been a stronghold of opposition politics. Analysts say the move could alter power dynamics in the region ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly given the state’s political significance.

The development has also triggered political reactions. The PDP criticised Mr Fintiri’s decision, describing it as a departure from the party’s principles, while some political figures in the state have distanced themselves from the move.