The governor made the announcement during a statewide broadcast from Yola, the state capital, where he declared that the move was taken in the best developmental interest of the people of Adamawa State. Accompanying Fintiri in the defection were his entire cabinet, political appointees, elected local government chairmen, and numerous PDP officials across the state. This mass exodus effectively transfers control of Adamawa State's political machinery to the APC.
Governor Fintiri, who was first elected in 2019 under the PDP banner and re-elected in 2023, cited the need for greater alignment with the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a key motivation. He emphasized that continued affiliation with the opposition PDP had placed Adamawa on the sidelines of national development initiatives, limiting access to critical federal resources, infrastructure projects, and policy support essential for the state's progress.
In his broadcast, Fintiri stated that the decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and party faithful. He described the shift as a strategic step to "fast-track development" and ensure that Adamawa benefits fully from the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration. The governor highlighted ongoing federal interventions in agriculture, security, education, and infrastructure, noting that stronger ties with the APC would enable more effective collaboration and resource mobilization for Adamawa's priorities.
The defection comes amid weeks of speculation fueled by reports of closed-door meetings between Fintiri's representatives and APC national leadership. Sources close to the governor indicated that frustrations over PDP's internal divisions, particularly following the 2023 general elections and subsequent leadership tussles, played a role in the decision. Fintiri's move also reflects a broader trend of opposition governors gravitating toward the ruling party since President Tinubu assumed office in 2023.
With this development, the APC now controls 30 of Nigeria's 36 states, marking a historic consolidation of power for the ruling party. The PDP is left with control of only three states—Bauchi, Oyo, and Zamfara—while the Labour Party holds Anambra, the Accord Party holds one, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) controls another. In the North East geopolitical zone, Adamawa's switch leaves Bauchi as the sole PDP-held state, with Borno, Gombe, Yobe, and Taraba already under APC governance.
The presidency swiftly welcomed the development, with presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga describing it as transforming the APC into a "juggernaut" in Adamawa and dealing a "major blow" to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a prominent PDP figure and native of Adamawa. Onanuga noted that Fintiri's defection strengthens national unity and positions the state to benefit more directly from federal programs.
APC national leadership has hailed the move as a victory for progressive politics and good governance. Party spokespersons expressed confidence that Fintiri's integration would bolster the party's performance in future elections and enhance service delivery in Adamawa. Reports indicate that the governor formally picked up his APC membership card at K/Wuro Ngayandi Ward in Madagali Local Government Area shortly after the broadcast.
Reactions from the PDP have been mixed, with some state executives expressing disappointment and accusing Fintiri of betrayal. However, others acknowledged the political realities, noting that defections are common in Nigerian politics when governors seek better alignment for state interests. PDP national officials have yet to issue a formal response, though insiders suggest the party may challenge aspects of the mass defection in court, particularly regarding the status of elected officials who switched parties.
Political analysts view Fintiri's defection as part of a pattern under President Tinubu's administration, where several opposition governors—including those from Delta, Benue, and others in previous cycles—have crossed over. This trend is attributed to the advantages of being in the ruling party, such as improved federal allocations, security support, and project approvals. Critics, however, argue that such moves undermine opposition strength and multi-party democracy.
Adamawa State, with its diverse ethnic composition including Fulani, Hausa, Chamba, Mumuye, and others, has long been a battleground for PDP and APC. Fintiri's first term focused on infrastructure, education reforms, and security enhancements amid Boko Haram threats and farmer-herder conflicts. His administration has received praise for road constructions, school rehabilitations, and youth empowerment programs. The defection is expected to sustain these efforts with potentially increased federal backing.
Looking ahead, the move could influence the 2027 general elections, positioning APC strongly in the North East and reducing PDP's northern foothold. For Adamawa residents, the immediate impact may include accelerated implementation of federal-backed projects in agriculture—given the state's potential as a food basket—and enhanced security collaborations.
Governor Fintiri concluded his broadcast by urging calm and unity, assuring citizens that the change in party affiliation would not disrupt governance but rather enhance it. He called on all Adamawa people to support the new direction for collective prosperity.
This defection underscores the fluid nature of Nigerian politics, where strategic realignments often prioritize state development over party loyalty. As Nigeria navigates its democratic journey, such shifts continue to redefine power dynamics at both state and national levels.
