I’m a founding member of APC, my entry not defection but realignment with like minds – Fintiri
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has declared that his return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) should not be misconstrued as a defection but rather a homecoming and a strategic realignment of political forces in Adamawa State.
Speaking during a crucial stakeholders’ meeting that brought together legacy APC members and his core political base, the governor described himself as one of the founding fathers of the party.
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He insisted that his decision to rejoin the APC was not an act of political cross-carpeting in the conventional sense, but a deliberate move to reunite with like-minded progressives committed to the advancement of Adamawa State.
Fintiri emphasized that his political journey with the APC dates back to its formative years, noting that the party’s ideals and founding principles still resonate strongly with his vision for governance.
According to him, returning to the fold represents a continuation of a shared political heritage rather than a break from the past.
He maintained that the move was motivated by the desire to consolidate political strength, promote unity, and reposition the state for greater development.
The governor reassured party faithful that his arrival in the APC was not intended to displace or overshadow long-standing members.
Instead, he described the development as a collective effort to harmonize structures and build a stronger political front. He pledged to ensure justice, fairness, and inclusivity within the party’s ranks, stressing that leadership must be guided by equity and mutual respect.
Having recently parted ways with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alongside his political structure and government machinery, Fintiri said the integration process into the APC would be handled with discipline and maturity.
He called on his supporters to fully embrace the values and culture of their new political family while upholding loyalty to party leadership at all levels.
Governor Fintiri further noted that the realignment would significantly strengthen the APC’s position in Adamawa State ahead of future elections.
He expressed confidence that a united front would guarantee electoral success for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC candidates in forthcoming polls. He described the collaboration between legacy members and new entrants as a powerful alliance capable of delivering overwhelming victories.
The governor commended President Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for what he termed their supportive roles in ensuring a seamless and peaceful transition.
He expressed gratitude for the spirit of cooperation that characterized the process and assured the party’s national leadership of his unalloyed loyalty.
The governor reiterated that his political decision was not driven by personal ambition but by a broader commitment to peace, stability, and sustainable development in Adamawa.
He highlighted his administration’s performance record, pointing to positive ratings by international organizations that have ranked the state among the country’s top-performing subnational governments crediting these achievements to the collective support of the people.
Fintiri described the moment as the dawn of a new political chapter for Adamawa State and urged party members across wards and local governments to convene grassroots meetings aimed at strengthening unity and deepening political engagement.
According to him, only through cohesion and purposeful leadership can the state continue to thrive.
Also speaking, the APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Comrade Mustafa Salihu, described the gathering as significant for Adamawa politics and commended the governor for moving his structure into the APC.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar, described the meeting as momentous, expressing confidence that Adamawa has the capacity to deliver victory for the APC in future elections.
The State APC Chairman, Barrister Idris Shuaibu, appreciated Governor Fintiri and Malam Nuhu Ribadu for ensuring a smooth transition and assured the governor of the party’s loyalty and support.
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Awwal Tukur, said the defection followed wide consultations with the people of Adamawa who continue to look up to Governor Fintiri for leadership and direction.
