Political Earthquake in Adamawa: 6 PDP Lawmakers Defect as Governor Fintiri’s APC Move Looms

 

​The political landscape of Adamawa State has been rocked by a significant tremor as six members of the State House of Assembly officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This high-profile exit, which occurred on February 24, 2026, marks a critical turning point in the state's power dynamics. The wave of resignations follows days of intense speculation regarding the political future of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, whose rumored defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has kept both parties on edge.

​The Lawmakers Behind the Exit

​The mass resignation was spearheaded by Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi (Girei Constituency), who initially set the stage on Monday, February 23. Following his lead, several high-ranking members of the Assembly submitted their resignations, effectively shrinking the PDP’s majority. The lawmakers who have joined this political shift include:

• ​Hon. Mohammed Buba Jidjiwa (Deputy Speaker, Jada and Mbulo)
• ​Hon. Kefas Kalvin (Toungo Constituency)
• ​Hon. Bulus Geoffrey (Leko and Koma Constituency)
• ​Hon. Haruna Jilantikiri (Madagali Constituency)
• ​Hon. Kefas Emmanuel (Song Constituency)
• ​Hon. Ahmed Jingi Bele (Maiha Constituency)

​With these departures, the PDP’s presence in the 25-member Assembly has been drastically reduced from 16 to just 10 members. This shift not only alters the legislative balance but also signals a deeper internal crisis within the party’s state chapter.

​The "Fintiri Factor" and the Move to APC

​While the lawmakers have not yet officially donned the APC regalia, insiders suggest that their move is a precursor to a much larger realignment. Sources indicate that Governor Fintiri is in advanced talks to join the ruling APC at the federal level. The postponement of the APC state congresses in Adamawa earlier this month was widely viewed as a strategic delay to allow the Governor and his loyalists to integrate into the party structure.

​The lawmakers' decision to leave the PDP is seen as a gesture of loyalty to the Governor. In Nigerian politics, the "follow-the-leader" strategy is common, where state executives migrate to the center to align with federal influence and resources. If Fintiri finalizes his move, Adamawa will join the growing list of states switching allegiance to the "Renewed Hope" agenda of the APC.

​Impact on the 2027 General Elections

​This mass defection is more than just a change of party logos; it is a calculated play for the 2027 general elections. By consolidating power under the APC, the defectors aim to create a unified front that bridges the gap between state governance and federal support. However, this move has not been without criticism. Former allies and PDP stakeholders have warned that such "elite migrations" do not always translate to grassroots support, suggesting that the voters’ will may remain independent of party switches.

​As the political dust settles in Yola, the PDP national leadership faces the uphill task of rebuilding its presence in a state that was once a stronghold. Meanwhile, the APC prepares to welcome a new wave of heavyweights, signaling a potential "one-party" dominance in the Northeast's political theater.