Fintiri pouched into APC because of Ribadu’s humility, reception – Dr. Girei
Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and gubernatorial aspirant for the 2027 elections in Adamawa State, has attributed Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s recent move into the ruling party to the humility and inclusive leadership of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Yola, Dr. Girei expressed strong optimism about the APC’s growing strength and unity in Adamawa, following the high-profile return of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
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According to him, the development signals a consolidation of political forces in the state and reinforces the APC’s position as the dominant political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dr. Girei, who asserted himself as the grandfather of APC in Adamawa, noted that he played critical role towards the birth of APC in Adamawa State and Nigeria between 2013 and 2014.
He recounted advising former Governor Murtala Nyako to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the height of the Boko Haram insurgency and amid what he described as internal political pressures threatening the administration at the time.
He explained that he played a coordinating role in the merger of legacy political parties, including the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which ultimately coalesced to form the APC.
He also referenced the emergence of the New PDP (nPDP), a bloc of governors and lawmakers who defected from the PDP and later merged with the APC to strengthen the opposition coalition that won the 2015 general elections.
As Commissioner for Local Government during that critical period, Dr. Girei said he worked extensively to entrench the APC’s structures across Adamawa’s 21 local government areas. Those efforts, he noted, laid the foundation for the party’s electoral successes beginning in 2015 and established a durable grassroots presence.
Despite the APC’s loss in the 2019 governorship election, Dr. Girei maintained that he remained steadfast in his commitment to the party, providing intellectual, financial, and moral support. He attributed that electoral setback not to weakness within the APC, but to what he described as the mismanagement of internal crises by the party’s leadership at the time.
On Governor Fintiri’s formal defection to the APC alongside members of his cabinet, lawmakers, and key PDP officials—Dr. Girei insisted the move should be seen as a “return” rather than a defection. He disclosed that Fintiri had been involved in early conversations around the APC’s formation before political circumstances led him on a different path.
He praised the governor’s decision as timely and strategic, citing Fintiri’s record in infrastructure development, promotion of peace, and inclusive governance in Adamawa.
According to him, the governor’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda demonstrates a shared vision for stability and growth at both state and federal levels.
Dr. Girei was emphatic that Fintiri’s move reflects confidence in the leadership of Ribadu, whom he described as the APC’s rallying figure in Adamawa.
He credited the National Security Adviser with fostering unity, investing in the party’s growth, and strengthening national security efforts.
“His humility and openness have made reconciliation possible,” Dr. Girei said, adding that such leadership has created space for former adversaries to return without fear or resentment.
Dismissing concerns about potential power struggles within the party, Dr. Girei noted that no major APC stakeholder in Adamawa has publicly opposed Fintiri’s return. He characterized political disagreements as natural in any organization and argued that resolved conflicts often lead to stronger alliances.
With over 400,000 registered members in Adamawa—exceeding established winning margin of 300,000 to 350,000 votes in previous elections—Dr. Girei described the influx of new entrants as a strategic advantage. “The more the merrier,” he remarked, asserting that the APC is well positioned for both national and sub-national victories in 2027.
Responding to allegations that the APC is steering Nigeria toward a one-party state through high-profile defections, Dr. Girei rejected the claim. He pointed to President Tinubu’s history as governor of Lagos, where opposition platforms continued to function, as evidence of his commitment to multi-party democracy. According to him, defections are a product of free political choice, not coercion.
He further argued that improvements in economic stability, food affordability, and national security under the current administration are natural attractions for politicians seeking alignment with a governing party delivering results. He contrasted this with the PDP’s prolonged dominance at the federal level in earlier years, noting that similar concerns were not raised then.
Assessing Fintiri’s stewardship, Dr. Girei acknowledged that the governor has recorded measurable achievements despite prevailing challenges. However, as a gubernatorial aspirant himself, he outlined a vision of accelerated development, deeper unity, and broader participation if he secures the APC ticket and wins in 2027.
On recent amendments to the Electoral Act, particularly provisions for real-time electronic transmission of results with allowances for technical glitches, Dr. Girei expressed support for what he termed a pragmatic legislative approach. Laws, he argued, must reflect operational realities to ensure credibility and smooth implementation.
He called for sustained unity within the APC, assuring both longstanding and returning members of equal treatment and opportunity.
Describing Fintiri’s move as a blessing, Dr. Girei said it represents not only a personal political decision but also an endorsement of the party’s direction under Ribadu and Tinubu—positioning the APC for a cohesive and formidable outing in 2027.
