Fintiri formally defects to APC

Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to strengthen development efforts and reposition the state in national politics.

Fintiri disclosed this at a news conference on Friday in Yola.

He said the decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders, aimed at ensuring long-term stability, development and prosperity for the people of Adamawa.

The governor said that the move would enable the state to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on social welfare, infrastructure, housing and inclusive economic development.

He added that “after wide consultations with a large spectrum of our people, we have resolved to politically align Adamawa State with the APC.

“This alignment would enable Adamawa to effectively support and leverage the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“This aims to transform the nation in critical sectors, including social welfare, infrastructure, housing and inclusive economic development.”

He explained that his exit from PDP was not driven by personal ambition, but by the overriding interest of Adamawa State.

He reaffirmed his administration’is commitment to the mandate given in the 2019 and 2023 elections and pledged to uphold the state’s social contract.

Fintiri said the alignment would also return Adamawa to mainstream national politics and create opportunities for investment, federal collaboration and increased benefits.

He said he would join the APC with structures across 226 wards and 21 local government areas, including elected and appointed officials.

“Wherever we go from here, we are going as a collective body with the required political strength and the numbers that confer value.

“We are moving into the APC with all the 226 wards, 21 LGAs, all elected and appointed members and indeed our energy and our political machinery to confer benefit to our state, the nation and our people,” Fintiri sstressed.

The governor listed achievements in security, road construction, schools, hospitals, housing and markets, alongside interventions in education, water supply and electricity.

He cited youth and women empowerment programmes and the creation of new chiefdoms, emirates and districts to promote inclusion and development.

He assured residents that the defection would not affect ongoing development programmes in infrastructure, education, healthcare, job creation and scholarships.

The governor urged supporters to register with the APC and participate actively in the political process, stressing that the move was in the collective interest of the state and urged citizens to sustain their support.