APC poised to control 30 states as Gov. Fintiri plans defection

With indications that Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, is set to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party is on course to consolidate control of about 30 out of the 36 states of the federation, one of the most far-reaching territorial expansions by any political party since the return to democracy in 1999.

Fintiri’s anticipated defection is considered politically significant, given that Adamawa is the home state of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a major opposition figure and potential presidential contender in 2027. Political observers say the move could weaken the opposition’s footing in the North-east, particularly if the state governor aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Sources within the party say the consolidation follows a series of strategic realignments across the country. The APC is also preparing to formally receive Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, at a ceremony scheduled for Monday, a development party insiders describe as a major boost, especially in the North-west where Kano holds substantial electoral influence due to its large voting population.

Senior party sources said Kano’s political weight makes it a strategic addition, noting that the state has historically played a decisive role in national elections. According to them, bringing Kano into the APC fold significantly alters the opposition landscape in the region.

In the South-south, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is also expected to be formally received into the party after the Ramadan fasting period, further strengthening APC’s grip in the oil-rich region. Party insiders see Rivers as a critical state in terms of electoral value and economic relevance.

Attention has now shifted to the North-east, where Fintiri is reportedly engaged in consultations with stakeholders regarding his possible defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Speaking recently on the speculation, Fintiri said he would align with the wishes of his people, confirming that discussions were ongoing.

“If that is the wish of my people to defect, I have no choice because politics is all about it,” he said, while criticising what he described as “political merchants” opposing the move.

Ahead of President Tinubu’s visit to Yola, the Adamawa State capital has reportedly been adorned with APC billboards and flags, fuelling further speculation of an imminent political shift. Party sources suggested that if the current momentum continues, APC could expand its influence even further, with discussions said to be ongoing with another North-east governor.

Responding to allegations that governors are being pressured to join the ruling party, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, dismissed claims of coercion. He attributed the party’s growing dominance to governance outcomes, improved security operations and large-scale infrastructure projects under the Tinubu administration.

Yilwatda cited the multi-billion-dollar Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project as a major economic catalyst, stating that it would stimulate industrial growth along its corridor and strengthen energy supply. He also referenced the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano rail modernisation and its extension to Maradi in Niger Republic, describing it as transformative for regional trade.

According to him, the Sokoto–Badagry super highway corridor, with plans for over 60 dams to support agriculture and water supply, further demonstrates long-term development planning that is reshaping political calculations among state leaders.

“There is no coercion. They see the difference. They see the opportunities,” Yilwatda maintained, adding that governors are naturally drawn to platforms that offer tangible economic prospects and infrastructure development for their states.

He insisted that investments in energy, rail connectivity, agriculture and trade corridors have created a stabilising effect nationwide, making the APC an attractive political platform.

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