Tsunami hits Adamawa PDP as 21 LG chairmen, 226 councillors, area dev admins join APC
By Mohammed Ismail
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is now in control of the 21 local government structures and 226 wards following the spontaneous defection of the PDP local governments chairmen, councillors and development administrators.
The chairmen and the councillors rode on the crest of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to win local elections organized by the state independent electoral commission (ADSIEC) mid this year.
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Analysts see the development as a major setback for the party ahead of the 2027 election having lost its major grassroots support base across the state.
The mass defection, announced on Monday, October 19, 2026, represents a significant boost for the APC as political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to reshape the state’s political landscape.
The council chairmen reportedly tendered their resignation letters to their respective PDP ward chairmen, citing personal reasons and consultations with their families, political associates and other stakeholders.
Among them was the Chairman of Demsa Local Government Area, Mr Akham Jalo, who said his decision followed extensive consultations with his family, political associates, stakeholders and the people of Demsa.
Jalo explained that his defection was informed by the need to align with the developmental agenda of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and attract more democratic dividends to his constituency.
“My decision to join the APC was informed by the need to align with the progressive vision of His Excellency, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, and to attract more dividends of democracy to the people of Demsa,” he stated.
He added that the move was driven by the desire to promote collective progress, unity and development, assuring residents that his administration remained committed to good governance, peace and public welfare.
The council chairman expressed appreciation to the PDP leadership and members for the opportunity to serve under the party, while assuring the people of Demsa that his movement to the APC would create new opportunities and accelerate development in the area.
He also urged his supporters and political loyalists to remain calm and united, calling on them to rally behind the APC for what he described as a greater Demsa, Adamawa State and Nigeria.
Confirming the development, the Adamawa State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Victor Dogo, said all 21 local government chairmen, area development administrators and 226 councillors had aligned with the ruling party.
Dogo attributed the mass movement to their decision to join Governor Fintiri on the same political platform, describing the governor as their political benefactor.
According to him, the local government officials considered it necessary to align with the governor, whom they credited with providing the political platform that enabled them to emerge as council leaders.
The development comes amid the ongoing political realignments in Adamawa State following Governor Fintiri’s defection from the PDP to the APC earlier in 2026.
Analysts have, however, questioned whether the mass movement represents a spontaneous decision by the affected officials or the implementation of a political strategy designed to consolidate the APC’s control of grassroots political structures across the state.
Analysts also said the development places the APC in a stronger position to mobilise support across Adamawa’s 21 local government areas. However, the extent to which the defections will translate into electoral gains in 2027 remains to be seen.
