A New Era in Adamawa: VP Shettima Receives Governor Fintiri into APC
In a move that has sent ripples through Nigeria's political landscape, Vice President Kashim Shettima formally welcomed Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri into the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday. Speaking in Yola, the state capital, Shettima assured the Governor and his massive following that they are joining the ruling party not as outsiders, but as essential partners in the ongoing mission to rebuild the nation.
Addressing a jubilant crowd at the Mahmud Ribadu Square, the Vice President emphasized that Fintiri’s entry into the APC signifies an alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a governance model that prioritizes the needs of every Nigerian. "You are not strangers to this house," Shettima declared. "You are partners in a shared mission to build a nation that works, a democracy that delivers, and a future that rewards the aspirations of our people."
The Southern Presidency Debate: A Bold Stance
A significant highlight of the defection was Governor Fintiri’s clear stance on the presidency. Despite hailing from the same state as former Vice President and PDP stalwart Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Fintiri asserted that the South must complete an eight-year tenure before the presidential slot returns to the North. This declaration aligns with the APC’s power-sharing dynamics and signals a major strategic shift in Northern political circles ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Fintiri explained his decision to join the APC was driven by the success of President Tinubu’s "Renewed Hope Agenda," particularly the administration's macroeconomic reforms. "Mr. President has put the country on a recovery path. We have come in large numbers to support him and ensure a landslide victory for the APC in 2027," Fintiri remarked.
Commending Infrastructure and Governance
The reception saw high-level attendance from APC leaders, including National Chairman Prof. Nantawe Yilwatda and Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma. Both leaders praised Fintiri’s record of infrastructure development in Adamawa, citing visible improvements in road networks, healthcare, and education as evidence of his progressive governance style.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, noted that Fintiri’s move allows Adamawa to fully integrate into the mainstream of Nigerian politics, facilitating better collaboration with the federal government and fellow APC governors.
Engagement with Traditional Institutions
Following the political rally, Vice President Shettima paid a courtesy visit to the Lamido of Adamawa, Dr. Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa. During the visit, Shettima reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to protecting traditional institutions, describing them as the "last line of contact with the grassroots." The Lamido, in turn, expressed his support for the administration’s efforts toward national development.