Adamawa Shake-Up: Shettima Declares Fintiri APC Leader

Hanny Henry

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima,  formally declared Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri as the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, after a high profile defection, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.

The announcement was made during a grand reception in Yola, where Fintiri was officially welcomed into the ruling party before a large gathering of party faithful, political stakeholders, and supporters. The event is widely regarded as a major turning point ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

Presenting the party’s symbol of leadership, APC National Chairman Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda affirmed that Fintiri’s emergence as state party leader aligns with the APC’s constitution and long-standing tradition.

 The ceremony drew no fewer than seven governors, alongside senior party officials from across the country, underscoring its national significance.

Fintiri’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) signals a major political realignment in Adamawa, a state long considered a PDP stronghold. His move is expected to reshape party dynamics in the North-East region.

Addressing the crowd, the governor said his decision to join the APC was driven by the need to align Adamawa State with the federal government to fast-track development. He pledged to foster unity within the party and work collaboratively with both longstanding members and new entrants to strengthen its structure.

“I am committed to building an inclusive platform where everyone has a stake,” Fintiri said, assuring supporters of his dedication to the party’s growth and electoral success.

In a notable development, the governor also introduced Abdulaziz Nyako, whom he said he persuaded to defect from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the APC. Nyako is the son of former Adamawa governor Murtala Nyako.

APC leaders at both national and state levels described Fintiri’s defection as a major boost to the party, citing his political experience and strong grassroots appeal as key assets. They emphasized that unity within party ranks would be crucial to consolidating gains and expanding electoral success in future contests.

Vice President Shettima and other party chieftains also commended Fintiri’s governance record, pointing to his administration’s strides in infrastructure development and reforms as evidence of his leadership capacity.

Stakeholders and political allies echoed similar sentiments, describing the governor’s entry into the APC as a “game changer” capable of redefining Adamawa’s political trajectory.

The event attracted a large turnout of supporters, traditional rulers, and political figures from across the state, signaling broad backing for Fintiri’s new political direction and the APC’s growing influence in the region.