Governor Fintiri Denies Defection Rumours, Reaffirms Loyalty to PDP

As political realignments gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has firmly dispelled rumours suggesting he plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The clarification comes at a time when the PDP is grappling with an exodus of top figures, sparking uncertainty about the party’s future.

Governor Fintiri’s position was made known by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, during a media interaction in Yola over the weekend. According to Wonosikou, the governor remains a committed member of the PDP and has no intention of joining the ruling APC.

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“Fintiri is Not Leaving PDP,” Says Press Secretary

“His Excellency Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri remains a bona fide member of the PDP. He is not leaving,” Wonosikou stated emphatically. He added that Fintiri is presently focused on his responsibilities as chairman of the party’s National Convention Committee and is deeply involved in efforts to reposition the PDP for the next electoral cycle.

The reassurance was made necessary following a wave of speculations linking Fintiri to a possible switch to the APC. These rumours were further fuelled by the recent defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, to the APC. Their exit, which involved the collapse of the PDP’s structure in Delta into the ruling party, triggered discussions about whether other PDP governors would follow suit.

In his response, Wonosikou urged party supporters and the public to disregard the rumours, describing them as baseless and politically motivated. “We are aware of the attempts by certain political actors to destabilise the PDP using propaganda and misinformation. Governor Fintiri is not part of that game,” he said.

Growing Pressure on PDP Amid High-Profile Defections

The defection of the Delta duo was celebrated by the APC, with National Chairman Dr Abdullahi Ganduje hailing the development as a sign of growing confidence in the ruling party. At a public event in Abuja last week, Ganduje hinted that more PDP governors were in advanced talks to cross over.

“More governors are coming. The APC is becoming the national party of choice once again,” Ganduje boasted. This statement sparked further concerns within PDP ranks and intensified speculations surrounding key figures such as Governor Fintiri.

However, political analysts have noted that while defections are not unusual in Nigeria’s political landscape, Fintiri’s silence prior to the press statement had added to the uncertainty. The governor has now chosen to address the matter head-on, likely in a bid to reaffirm his leadership role in the PDP and stabilise the Adamawa chapter of the party.

Fintiri’s Influence in the PDP

Governor Fintiri has emerged as one of the most influential figures within the PDP in recent years. His leadership during the 2023 general elections and his active role in party administration have earned him respect across the political divide. He was recently appointed to lead the PDP’s National Convention Committee—a strategic position that signals his continued relevance and trust within the party hierarchy.

Political observers believe that Fintiri’s decision to stay could inspire confidence among party loyalists and stall further defections, at least in the short term. “Fintiri’s public stance is significant. He’s one of the governors whose influence extends beyond his state,” said political analyst Yusuf Dahiru.

Nevertheless, the PDP remains under pressure to rebuild its internal cohesion and develop a clear strategy to challenge the APC in 2027. Many within the party have called for reforms, unity, and a more aggressive opposition stance to remain competitive.

A Call for Focused Leadership

As defections dominate national discourse, Wonosikou stressed that the governor’s primary focus remains on delivering good governance to the people of Adamawa State. “Governor Fintiri is working tirelessly to meet the developmental aspirations of the people. That’s where his attention is—not in jumping ship for personal gain,” he noted.

The PDP in Adamawa has also issued a statement reaffirming its confidence in Fintiri’s leadership and echoing the CPS’s message that the governor remains with the party. The state party chairman, Tahir Shehu, described Fintiri as “a pillar of the PDP” and called on members to remain steadfast amid distractions.

As 2027 approaches, the PDP finds itself navigating a challenging political terrain. But for now, with Governor Fintiri standing firm, the party may have bought itself valuable time to consolidate and restrategise.