The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has carved a political reputation for thriving as an opposition figure.
In 2007, he won his first major election under the now-defunct Action Congress, defeating a sitting PDP lawmaker in the State Assembly.
He later consolidated his profile by winning the 2019 and 2023 governorship polls when the APC controlled the Federal Government under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Four months ago, the APC spokesperson in Adamawa, Mohammed Abdullahi, confirmed to Punch that discussions were ongoing with the governor.
Abdullahi said, “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.”
But the PDP in Adamawa dismissed the rumours, insisting Fintiri remained the “compass of the PDP.”
A PDP chieftain described the claims as “speculative and unrealistic.”
The PDP chieftain said, “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.”
Ribadu’s Closed-Door Meeting Fuels Speculation
Speculations heightened in May after Fintiri held a four-hour closed-door meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, at the Government House, Yola.
Sources told Punch the talks focused on persuading the governor to cross over to the APC with his cabinet.
“The governor was offered the opportunity to produce his successor, nominate candidates for National Assembly seats, and choose between a ministerial or senatorial position in 2027,” one of Fintiri’s aides disclosed.
Despite the overtures, aides close to Fintiri maintain that he remains firmly rooted in the PDP, stressing that the governor has no immediate plans to defect.