Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in a major realignment of political forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statewide broadcast on Friday, Fintiri announced his decision to join the APC, saying the move was taken in the developmental interest of Adamawa State and its people.
He disclosed that members of his cabinet, key appointees, and elected local government chairmen also joined him in the switch.
“This decision is in the overall developmental interest of our dear state and its citizens,” the governor said, adding that aligning with the APC would better position Adamawa to access resources and partnerships necessary for growth.
Fintiri’s departure from the PDP follows a series of defections within the state, including the earlier resignation of 15 lawmakers from the Adamawa State House of Assembly, among them Speaker Bathiya Wesley and his deputy Buba Jijiwa, who cited internal crises in the PDP as their reason for leaving.
His defection significantly strengthens the APC’s dominance at the sub-national level. With Fintiri’s move, the ruling party now controls 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states through serving governors, leaving the PDP with just a handful of governorships.
Political analysts say the shift marks a major blow to the PDP in northern Nigeria and consolidates the APC’s influence ahead of next year’s elections. Observers note that mass defections by governors and lawmakers could reshape the political landscape as parties position themselves for key contests in 2027.
