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By Lizzy Chirkpi
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), saying his decision was driven by the “larger interest” of the people of the state.
In a statewide broadcast on Friday, the governor said the move was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the Federal Government to accelerate development in Adamawa.
“This defection is anchored on the desire to ensure the welfare and development of our people. I urge everyone to remain steadfast and give the government the support and understanding necessary to realize the dividends of democracy,” Fintiri said.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for efforts at reviving the national economy and pledged to work closely with the centre to deliver more projects and opportunities to the state.
“Our goal remains the growth and development of Adamawa, and this step allows us to collaborate with the federal government to advance our people’s interests,” he added.
Fintiri’s defection ends weeks of speculation over his political future and marks a significant shift in Adamawa’s political landscape, long considered a stronghold of the PDP.
Fintiri is a lawyer and seasoned politician, Fintiri first served as Acting Governor of Adamawa in 2014 before winning election as substantive governor in 2019 under the PDP platform. He secured a second term in 2023 after a keenly contested poll, consolidating his influence in the North-East state.
His move to the APC is expected to reshape political alignments ahead of future electoral contests, while potentially strengthening the ruling party’s foothold in the region.