Political landscape in Adamawa State witnessed a major realignment on Friday as Governor Umaru Fintiri announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, dealing a significant blow to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general election.
Governor Fintiri, who made the announcement in a statewide broadcast, said his decision was taken in the “developmental interest” of the people of Adamawa State. He disclosed that he did not defect alone, as members of his cabinet, lawmakers, and key party officials also moved with him to the APC, effectively shifting the state’s political structure.
“I have taken this step in the developmental interest of our people,” the governor said, adding that his administration believes the ruling party offers better opportunities to advance Adamawa’s growth and integration into national development programmes.
The mass movement of political stakeholders with the governor has further strengthened the APC’s presence in the state and consolidated the influence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s party in the North-East region.
Reacting to the development, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga described the defection as a major setback for Atiku’s political ambition. In a statement issued on Friday, Onanuga said: “With the presidential election less than a year away, Fintiri’s defection is surely a big blow to veteran presidential runner Atiku Abubakar. His ADC is largely unknown in the state. He certainly needs to reassess his ambition, as his governor has turned the APC into an Adamawa juggernaut.”
He further added: “If a politician is not so popular at home, he has no business selling his candidacy to outsiders. The time is nigh for Atiku to consider retiring from politics and going to his second home in Dubai.”