Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, along with his cabinet, 39 Special Advisers, and political structures spanning 14 local Government Areas (LGAs), has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This significant political realignment, which saw seven more local councils expected to follow suit, occurred just 48 hours after the Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Bathiya Wesley, and 13 other lawmakers also resigned from the PDP, effectively giving the APC control of Adamawa State.

In a statewide broadcast, Governor Fintiri announced his decision, stating it was driven by the need to fast-track development, ensure the welfare of Adamawa residents, and align with the federal government's agenda. Members of the Adamawa State Executive Council, led by their Forum Chairman, Alloycious Babadoke, pledged their unwavering loyalty and commitment, commending Fintiri's leadership for elevating the state. Similar sentiments were echoed by Hon. Bala Buba Jada, Chairman of the Special Advisers Forum, and Hon. Sulieman Gangkuba, Chairman of ALGON, who praised Fintiri's capable and responsive leadership style.

The defection was met with enthusiasm by the APC in Adamawa. Abdulrahman Haske, a chieftain of the party, hailed it as a “new dawn” poised to reshape the party's fortunes and accelerate development. Haske emphasized the importance of maturity, unity, and strategic inclusion for the party, calling for transparent internal processes, respect for existing structures, and merit-based opportunities that complement, rather than sideline, the loyalty and experience of longstanding members. Nationally, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga described the move as a major political setback for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, suggesting it transformed the APC into a dominant force in Adamawa and advised Atiku to reconsider any 2027 presidential ambitions.

Conversely, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officially bid farewell to Governor Fintiri through its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Emeombong. While acknowledging Fintiri’s legal right to defect, the PDP condemned the move as being against political principles and morality, characterizing it as a challenge to multi-party democracy and an “unrestrained exhibition of cowardice.” The party urged its remaining members in Adamawa to accept the reality with grace and remain resolute.

The defection also drew sharp criticism from other political figures. Dr. Umar Ardo, convener of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) and League of Northern Democrats, described it as a “deeply repugnant episode” and a reflection of a “cynical culture of political opportunism” devoid of ideological conviction. Ardo explicitly stated that the move would not save Fintiri’s political career, highlighting pending 5-count charges of corruption, money laundering, and fraud against the Governor before the Federal High Court, Abuja, asserting that a change of party would not absolve him of accountability or prevent prosecution.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, now with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), weighed in on the broader trend of opposition governors defecting, stating that such moves are often results of political intimidation rather than genuine public support, warning of Nigeria’s risk of sliding towards a one-party state. Atiku dismissed claims that Fintiri’s defection weakened his political standing, arguing that realignments are common and frequently motivated by personal political survival. He accused the ruling party of deploying state institutions to pressure opposition figures, fearing accountability and credible elections, and linked these political shifts to Nigeria’s worsening socio-economic conditions, including rising hunger, unemployment, and insecurity. He urged citizens not to equate defections with popularity and to remain steadfast, asserting that the 2027 general election would be a direct contest between President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian electorate.

In a related development in Osun State, 25 members of the State House of Assembly, previously elected on the PDP platform, formally announced their defection to the Accord Party. Their decision followed deep reflection and extensive consultations, with the lawmakers stating their conviction that Accord provides a more stable, inclusive, and people-centred platform for serving the people of Osun State. They emphasized their determination to advance collective interests, sustain development, and ensure continuity in governance in collaboration with Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke.