It’s a homecoming, not defection, says Fintiri as he formally returns to APC in Adamawa

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has described his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a homecoming and strategic political realignment aimed at strengthening the state, rather than a conventional defection.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting attended by legacy APC members and his core political allies, the governor positioned himself as one of the founding fathers of the APC, insisting that his decision was rooted in history, conviction, and shared progressive ideals.

“This is not a defection in the conventional sense. It is a return to a political family whose ideals and founding principles align with my vision for governance and development,” Fintiri told party faithful.

The governor, who recently left the PDP along with his political structure and key administration officials, said the move represents continuity, not rupture.

He noted that his political journey with the APC dates back to its formative years, making his re-entry a deliberate effort to consolidate forces committed to the advancement of Adamawa State.

Fintiri stressed that the realignment was driven by the need to promote unity, consolidate political strength, and reposition the state for greater development.

He dismissed suggestions that the return was motivated by personal ambition.

Reassuring long-standing APC members that his arrival would not displace them, the governor described the development as a harmonisation process designed to build a formidable and cohesive political front.

“We are here to work together. Justice, fairness, and inclusivity will guide our integration. Leadership must be anchored on equity and mutual respect,” he said, pledging discipline and maturity in the ongoing merger of structures.

Fintiri called on his supporters to embrace the culture and values of their new political family and urged loyalty to party leadership at all levels.

He expressed confidence that the renewed alliance between legacy members and new entrants would significantly boost the APC’s prospects in future elections.

A united APC in Adamawa, he asserted, would deliver overwhelming victories for President Bola Tinubu and all APC candidates in forthcoming polls.

The governor commended President Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for their supportive roles in ensuring what he described as a seamless and peaceful transition.

He assured the party’s national leadership of his unalloyed loyalty and commitment.

Highlighting his administration’s performance, Fintiri pointed to positive ratings by international organisations that have ranked Adamawa among the country’s top-performing sub-national governments.

He credited the achievements to the collective support of the people and said the new political alignment would further accelerate development.

Describing the moment as the dawn of a new political chapter for Adamawa, the governor urged party members across wards and local government areas to convene grassroots meetings to deepen unity and expand political engagement.

“Only through cohesion and purposeful leadership can Adamawa continue to thrive,” he said.

In his remarks, APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Salisu Mustapha, described the gathering as a defining moment in the state’s political history and commended the governor for moving his structure into the party.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muktar Maiha, characterised the meeting as momentous, expressing optimism that Adamawa possesses the electoral strength to secure victory for the APC in future contests.

Also speaking, the State APC chairman appreciated Governor Fintiri and NSA Nuhu Ribadu for ensuring a smooth transition, assuring the governor of the party’s loyalty and full support.

In his welcome address, Secretary to the State Government, Auwal Tukur, said the decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders across the state, noting that the people of Adamawa continue to look up to the governor for leadership and direction.

With the latest political shift, observers said the APC’s landscape in Adamawa had been fundamentally altered, setting the stage for a redefined contest ahead of future elections.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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