The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has described the defection of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, to the All Progressives Congress as a major political shift in the state.
Onanuga made the remarks in a post on X on Friday, shortly after the governor announced his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party.
Reacting to the development, Onanuga wrote, “Fintiri’s move is a big blow to Atiku in Adamawa. With his defection to the APC, the ruling party has become a dominant force in the state.”
He added that the governor’s decision carried broader political implications beyond personal affiliation.
“Governor Umaru Fintiri has joined the APC, effectively shifting what used to be Atiku Abubakar’s stronghold to President Tinubu’s party,” Onanuga stated.
Governor Fintiri had earlier announced his defection during a statewide broadcast, revealing that members of his cabinet and other PDP officials in the state had also joined him in moving to the APC.
In the 14-minute address, the governor said the decision was taken in what he described as the “developmental interest” of Adamawa State.
“My decision is guided by the need to advance the developmental goals of our state and ensure greater opportunities for our people,” Fintiri said during the broadcast.
Following the announcement, PDP flags were reportedly removed from the Government House and the governor’s office, signalling the formal transition.
Onanuga also linked the development to the political fortunes of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the next presidential election.
“With the presidential poll drawing closer, this development represents a significant setback for Atiku Abubakar,” he wrote.
He further stated, “If a politician lacks solid support in his home base, it becomes difficult to convince others elsewhere. Perhaps it is time for Atiku to consider stepping aside from active politics.”
The defection is expected to reshape political alignments in Adamawa as parties intensify preparations for the forthcoming general elections.
