By Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has declared himself the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, following his recent defection to the ruling party.
Fintiri, who officially joined the APC last week, dismissed suggestions that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, would continue to serve as the party’s leader in Adamawa.
Speaking at a reception organised in his honour in Yola by party stakeholders, the governor repeatedly described himself as the party leader, pledging to foster unity and ensure electoral victory.
“As leader of the party, I will ensure that we work together in unity,” Fintiri said, stressing that winning future elections remains the party’s primary focus.
“What we are focused on is winning election. Losing is not in our dictionary,” he added, urging members to combine their goodwill and resources to strengthen the party’s chances at the polls.
Despite his strong remarks, the governor reassured long-standing APC members that his entry into the party was not a takeover attempt.
“I want to assure that we are here for partnership. This is not a takeover mission. We are not defecting. We are only aligning for the good of Adamawa people,” he said.
Fintiri expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ribadu for their support during his transition into the APC. He also commended his loyalists who moved with him from the PDP, praising their humility in submitting to the state party leadership under chairman Idris Shuaibu.
Earlier, Shuaibu welcomed the governor and members of his administration into the party, declaring that their arrival signals assured success.
“Unity is manifesting, success is certain,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described Fintiri’s defection as a positive development for Adamawa State.
The APC National Vice Chairman (North East), Mustapha Salihu, thanked the governor for joining the party with his political structure. He also appreciated former PDP chairman Hamza Bello and other PDP leaders for aligning with the APC.
