Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has explained his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the All Progressives Congress (APC), parting ways politically with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He said his move is based on the principle that the presidency should remain in the South in 2027 to promote fairness and national unity. Fintiri added that his personal relationship with Atiku remains cordial despite their political differences.

The governor noted that his defection aligns with his goal of advancing development in Adamawa State and strengthening ties with the ruling party. He described the move as strategic and in the best interest of his constituents, rather than a personal rivalry.

Following Fintiri’s defection, Adamu Atiku Abubakar, son of the former vice president and Commissioner for Works and Energy, resigned from the state cabinet, refusing to follow the mass shift of officials to the APC.

Fintiri has since submitted names to the Adamawa State House of Assembly to replace the departing commissioners, signaling a reorganization of the state cabinet and reflecting the political shifts ahead of the 2027 elections.