ADAMAWA GOVERNOR DEFECTION SPECULATION RISES AMID TINUBU’S VISIT, PARTY BANNERS
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By: Fasasi Hammad
Ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled visit to Adamawa State on Monday, Yola, the state capital, has been adorned with All Progressives Congress (APC) billboards and flags along major streets, sparking fresh speculation that Governor Ahmadu Fintiri may defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
Along the Yola International Airport road, PDP banners and flags have reportedly been replaced with APC materials, further fuelling rumours of the governor’s possible switch.
Talk of Fintiri’s defection first emerged in 2024 when Adamawa APC spokesman Mohammed Abdullahi revealed that discussions were underway. Abdullahi stated, “We are engaging with Governor Fintiri to join the APC, and there is a strong indication that he will join the ruling party before mid-2026. Those involved in the negotiations are respected individuals, so I am confident he will raise the APC flag at Government House ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
In December 2025, the APC North-East National Vice Chairman, Mustapha Salihu, confirmed ongoing negotiations, adding, “It is unconstitutional to stop anyone from joining any party of their choice. Politics is about numbers, and we would welcome Governor Fintiri to APC to help build Nigeria together.”
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A PDP House of Representatives member from Adamawa, speaking anonymously, claimed the governor plans to defect shortly after Tinubu’s visit. He noted, “The president’s visit is part of negotiations aimed at giving Fintiri presidential recognition above other governors who decamp to APC. Efforts to bring Fintiri into APC began during late President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure and have continued under Tinubu’s administration.”
He added, “Unlike other PDP governors who joined APC with poor performance records, Fintiri has an excellent track record, making him a prized acquisition. However, National Assembly members from PDP are not expected to follow him; some of us will move to other parties but not APC.”
Responding to the speculation, Adamawa PDP Publicity Secretary Victor Dogo said, “It is not a crime for the governor to change parties. If he moves, we will support him. Our focus is on his representation of national unity and development, not the party. PDP believes in results, not merely placing flags on streets.”
Dogo also noted that Tinubu’s visit to commission key projects demonstrates alignment with the president’s economic agenda. Ahead of the visit, major roads in Yola are being repainted, and security has been tightened with armed personnel and vehicles stationed across strategic locations.
Tinubu’s trip marks his first visit to Adamawa since the 2023 presidential campaign, when he held a rally at Muna Hotel near the residence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
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