Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri Defects to APC, Strengthening Tinubu’s Party Ahead of 2027 Elections
A major political realignment unfolded in Adamawa State on Friday morning as Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, a development that significantly reshapes the North-East political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The announcement was made during a statewide broadcast from Yola on February 27, 2026, where the governor confirmed that he would be joining the APC alongside members of his cabinet, political appointees, elected local government chairmen, and several PDP officials across the state.
The move marks one of the most consequential defections in recent months, given Fintiri’s long-standing affiliation with the PDP and his re-election victory under the party in 2023.
During the broadcast, the governor justified the switch as a strategic decision centered on the developmental priorities of Adamawa State. He stressed the need for closer alignment with the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accelerate infrastructure delivery, strengthen intergovernmental collaboration, and unlock greater economic opportunities for the state.
“I have taken this step in the best interest of Adamawa and its people,” the governor declared.
“This move will better position our state for meaningful development through stronger collaboration with the federal government.”
Political observers note that the defection further consolidates the APC’s expanding influence nationwide, particularly in the North-East geopolitical zone. PulseNets learnt that the governor’s transition was concluded after internal consultations with key stakeholders within his administration and party structures in the state.
The development follows a series of high-profile political realignments across Nigeria in recent months.
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas formally joined the APC in early February 2026 after previously resigning from the PDP in late 2025. PulseNets reported that Vice President Kashim Shettima received Kefas on behalf of President Tinubu and pledged strengthened development cooperation between Taraba State and the federal government.
Similarly, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, previously elected under the New Nigeria Peoples Party, crossed over to the APC earlier in 2026. Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has also recently aligned with the ruling party, further shrinking the opposition’s gubernatorial footprint.
With Fintiri’s defection, the APC now controls 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states, including jurisdictions often counted alongside the Federal Capital Territory for political analysis. This leaves the PDP with a significantly reduced number of state governors, a shift that could have implications for national party structures, resource distribution, and electoral strategy ahead of 2027.
Reactions to the Adamawa governor’s decision were swift and sharply divided.
PDP stakeholders in Adamawa and at the national level expressed dismay over the development. Some party figures, who spoke to PulseNets on condition of anonymity, described the move as a betrayal of party loyalty and the electorate’s mandate.
On the other hand, APC leaders welcomed the defection as a major political gain. Party officials told PulseNets that the development reflects growing confidence in the Tinubu administration and its governance agenda, describing the move as further validation of the APC’s national acceptance.
Analysts argue that Fintiri’s departure carries particular weight because of his established influence within the PDP in the North-East. His exit could weaken the opposition’s regional structures and alter the balance of political power in a zone traditionally viewed as competitive terrain.
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No immediate clarification was provided regarding the governor’s prospective role within the APC or how the defection may affect the composition of the Adamawa State House of Assembly. PulseNets obtained indications from sources close to the government that further engagements with APC structures at both state and national levels are expected in the coming days.
The latest political shift underscores intensifying realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, as opposition blocs, including supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar within the PDP, navigate growing internal pressures amid the APC’s expanding dominance across Nigeria.
