Fintiri Reportedly Offered 2027 Political Deal To Join APC

Fintiri Reportedly Offered 2027 Political Deal To Join APC
PDP leaders dismissed claims of his defection as speculative and politically motivated.
Close aides insist the Adamawa governor remains firmly rooted in the PDP

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has continued to attract attention over his political direction following reports of ongoing overtures from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Fintiri, who built a strong reputation as an opposition figure, first made his mark in 2007 when he won a seat in the Adamawa State House of Assembly under the now-defunct Action Congress, defeating a sitting lawmaker of the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

His influence grew further after winning the governorship elections in 2019 and 2023, both times against the backdrop of an APC-controlled federal government under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Speculation over his political loyalty resurfaced earlier this year when the APC spokesperson in Adamawa, Mohammed Abdullahi, confirmed to Punch that discussions were ongoing with the governor.
According to Abdullahi, “It is true there are fruitful discussions still ongoing with our great governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, over his return to his former house (APC). I’m optimistic that the Adamawa State governor is coming back to the APC. Our discussions so far have been positive.”

However, the PDP in Adamawa swiftly dismissed the rumours, describing them as baseless.
A party chieftain stated, “Fintiri cannot contemplate abandoning the PDP when the world is looking at him as one of the remaining hopes of democracy in Nigeria. You know APC can build bridges where there are no rivers, so I’m not surprised by their empty claims.”

The speculation intensified in May when Fintiri reportedly held a four-hour closed-door meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, at the Government House in Yola. Sources claimed the meeting centred on convincing the governor to defect to the APC, with alleged promises that he could nominate his successor, influence National Assembly candidates, and even choose between a ministerial or senatorial position in 2027.

Despite these reports, aides close to Fintiri insist the governor remains committed to the PDP, maintaining that he has no immediate plans to leave the party.