Defection Tsunami: 39 SAs, 14 LG chairmen move to APC in Adamawa
• Defecting to APC won’t save you from prosecution – Ardo tells Fintiri
Thirty-nine Special Advisers to the Governor of Adamawa State and 14 out of the 21 Local Government Chairmen have formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring their continued loyalty to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
Governor Fintiri has early Monday morning announced his much anticipated defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
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The Special Advisers announced the action during a press conference in Yola addressed by Hon. Bala Buba Jada, Chairman of the Forum of Special Advisers to the Governor.
Jada said the decision was reached after “careful reflection, consultation and conviction,” stressing that the move was taken in the overriding interest of Adamawa State.
“Our purpose is clear and straightforward, to provide clarity on our political position and reaffirm our commitment to the continued development, stability and strategic advancement of Adamawa State,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Fintiri for the confidence reposed in them, describing public service as both a responsibility and an honour.
According to him, the state has witnessed measurable transformation under the governor’s leadership, including infrastructure renewal, institutional strengthening and expanded access to essential services.
“This progress has not been accidental. It has been driven by disciplined governance, fiscal responsibility and inclusivity across religious and ethnic lines,” Jada stated.
He explained that the advisers undertook wide consultations across the state engaging community leaders, youth groups, women associations and professional bodies, to determine the most viable political pathway for Adamawa’s future.
Citing what he described as prolonged internal disputes and litigations within the PDP at the national level, Jada said the group concluded that remaining in the party could create uncertainty capable of affecting governance.
“Accordingly, and in the interest of safeguarding Adamawa’s strategic position within the federation, we have collectively resigned our membership of the PDP with immediate effect and have joined the APC,” he declared.
He emphasized that the decision was not borne out of animosity but was a pragmatic step aimed at sustaining development momentum and ensuring stronger alignment at the national level.
“Our loyalty remains firmly with His Excellency and with the developmental vision that has repositioned our state in recent years,” he added.
14 LG Chairmen Follow Suit
In a related development, Chairman of the Association of Local Government Chairmen (ALGON) in Adamawa State, Hon. Sulaiman Gangkuba, announced that 14 local government chairmen were defecting in solidarity with Governor Fintiri.
Gangkuba said the decision followed extensive consultations and was not the result of coercion.
“This is a collective decision taken after wide consultation with our stakeholders. It is in recognition of the giant strides recorded under the leadership of Governor Fintiri,” he said.
The local governments listed as aligning with the governor include Toungo, Ganye, Mayo Belwa, Numan, Shelleng, Lamurde, Guyuk, Yola South, Fufore, Hong, Maiha, Mubi South and Madagali.
He maintained that the chairmen remain committed to grassroots development and pledged continued collaboration with the state government under the new political platform.
Umar Ardo Kicks
However, the development has drawn sharp criticism from Dr. Umar Ardo, who described the reported defection as “deeply repugnant” and a reflection of political opportunism.
In a statement, Ardo argued that party defection undertaken for personal protection rather than ideological conviction undermines democratic norms and erodes public trust.
He further alleged that the governor is facing pending corruption-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja, insisting that changing political parties cannot substitute accountability.
“Justice, transparency and responsibility remain non-negotiable, and no defection will place anyone above them,” Ardo stated.
He maintained that due process must be allowed to take its course and that political realignment cannot extinguish legitimate scrutiny.
The wave of defections marks a significant shift in Adamawa’s political landscape, with observers noting that the movement of senior advisers and a majority of local government chairmen could reshape party structures ahead of future electoral contests.
