By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda officially received Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri into the APC at a massive rally in Yola. 

The event marked Fintiri’s high-profile defection from the PDP, signaling a major shift in North-East politics ahead of 2027.

Representing President Tinubu, Shettima welcomed Fintiri as a partner in national development rather than a stranger. He praised the Governor’s infrastructure projects in Adamawa, noting that his leadership style aligns with the federal government’s mission to build a more functional Nigeria.

The transition was formalized when Prof. Yilwatda presented Fintiri with the APC flag and a broom, the party’s symbols. The Chairman remarked that Fintiri’s achievements in health and education made him a natural fit for the “progressive” ideals of the ruling party.

To prevent internal friction, Shettima clarified that as the sitting governor, Fintiri is now the official leader of the APC in Adamawa. This move settles the state’s party hierarchy, placing the Governor at the helm of the local structure, similar to other APC-led states.

Governor Fintiri stated his defection was driven by a desire to align Adamawa with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. He expressed strong support for federal macroeconomic reforms, believing the move will secure more national investment and federal projects for his state.

Fintiri pledged to mobilize his entire political network, from cabinet members to local chairmen, to ensure APC victories moving forward. The visit concluded with the Vice President paying homage to the Lamido of Adamawa, reaffirming the administration’s respect for traditional leadership.