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APC moves closer to controlling 30 states nationwide.
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Fintiri’s possible defection seen as major political shift.
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Party denies coercion, cites infrastructure projects as incentive.
The All Progressives Congress is close to consolidating control of 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states amid indications that Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, may defect to the ruling party.
If confirmed, the development would rank among the most significant political expansions since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999. Adamawa is the home state of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a leading figure ahead of the 2027 presidential race, and Fintiri’s anticipated move is widely viewed as a potential blow to his political base.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the expected consolidation follows ongoing realignments within the political landscape, including plans to formally receive Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, into the APC at a ceremony scheduled for Monday.
Senior party sources who spoke with Arise TV described Kano as central to the party’s expansion strategy in the North.
“Kano is the political nerve centre of the political north. Kano is the most cosmopolitan community in the north… At the same time, Kano politics is also very dynamic and it’s always changing. So, for us it’s a big addition to the APC family,” a senior source said.
“More than that, it’s one of the highest voting populations in the country, if not the biggest. In terms of opposition in the north-west, Kano was the biggest opposition. So, adding Kano to our side has thoroughly weakened the opposition in the region,” the source added.
Party insiders also indicated that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, could be formally welcomed into the APC after Ramadan, strengthening the party’s position in the South South.
Fintiri, who has been engaged in consultations over his political future, recently hinted at a possible switch.
“If that is the wish of my people to defect, I have no choice because politics is all about it. But then, there are people who are making noise. There are people who have made their lives to be political merchants. They are so cheap. They are afraid,” he said.
Sources said his formal defection may take place in April. Ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s planned visit to Yola, APC campaign materials have reportedly appeared across the Adamawa capital, fuelling speculation.
APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, denied allegations of pressure on governors.
“There is no coercion. They see the difference. They see the opportunities,” he said, citing major projects including the Ajaokuta Kaduna Kano gas pipeline, the Abuja Kaduna Kano rail modernisation and the proposed Sokoto Badagry super highway as attractions.
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