Mass exodus in Adamawa as 22 Commissioners, Advisers follow Fintiri to APC

Twenty-two commissioners and special advisers in Adamawa State have officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), less than 24 hours after Governor Ahmadu Fintiri left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling party.

Fintiri made his decision public in a statewide broadcast on Friday, confirming that members of his cabinet and the PDP structure in the state had moved with him to the APC.

The wave of defections follows earlier resignations within the state legislature. On Wednesday, February 26, no fewer than 15 members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly stepped down from the PDP ahead of the governor’s announcement.

Bathiya Wesley, speaker of the house, announced the lawmakers’ defection during the plenary, citing the “lingering crisis” in the PDP.

Also, speaking in Yola, the state capital, Alloucious Babadoke, chairman of state commissioners’ forum, said members of the Adamawa executive council resolved to politically align with the governor.

“On behalf of the 22 executive council members, I declare our total loyalty and commitment to the fresh air administration by joining the APC,” Babadoke said.

“The commissioners supported the governor’s political decisions because his leadership has positioned the state as a developmental model.”

Also speaking, James Iliya, the commissioner for information, expressed readiness to mobilise supporters across the state to register with APC.

The forum of special advisers to the governor also announced their collective resignation from the PDP and defection to the APC.

Bala Jada, chairman of the forum, said the decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders, including community leaders, youth groups, women’s associations and professional bodies.

Jada stated that the decision was not borne out of animosity but was a forward-looking step after reflection, consultations and conviction.

The defectors thanked the people of the state for their continued support and pledged wider grassroots mobilisation for APC membership.

According to them, the political alignment will enhance effective representation of the state’s interests at the national level.

“Our decision is rooted in a shared commitment to the Governor’s transformative agenda,” the statement reads.

“Having witnessed firsthand the unprecedented strides made in infrastructure, healthcare, and economic reform under his leadership, we believe that the State’s interests are best served by a unified political front.

“Our loyalty lies not with a party label, but with the progress of our people. By joining His Excellency in the APC, we are ensuring that the machinery of government remains focused, formidable, and synchronised with the centre.”

“For the sake of clarity and administrative record, this mass transition encompasses all senior special assistants currently serving in the administration, with the notable exception of those appointed under the Inter-Party Advisory Council (PAC) quota.

“The SSAs representing IPAC will continue to serve in their respective capacities, maintaining the administration’s commitment to an inclusive, multi-party governance approach.

“In the coming days, we will be coordinating with the state leadership of the APC to formalise our registration at our respective wards.”

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