2027: PDP Now a Depleted Party, Tinubu Deserves Second Term, Says Fintiri

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has declared that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is now a “depleted” force, as he formally aligns with the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the APC National Working Committee (NWC) at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, Fintiri described his defection as a “home return” and pledged total loyalty to the ruling party.

“We have fully aligned with the APC. I am here officially to further pledge my full loyalty to the party and to assure the leadership that we have come to work. The PDP, as the largest opposition, seems to be depleted now,” he stated.

The governor also threw his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, expressing confidence in the administration’s performance. He acknowledged that while the government’s macroeconomic policies initially brought hardship due to their bold nature, they are now yielding positive results.

“Judging by the work done by Mr President, he deserves a second term. The country is moving in the right direction. It is now agreed among us that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and I believe his re-election will be accepted by all Nigerians,” Fintiri added.

Welcoming the governor, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, described Fintiri as a “fitted political maestro” whose governance in Adamawa State has brought remarkable development to the Northeast. He noted that Fintiri’s progressive mindset makes the APC his natural political home.

On the state of the opposition, Yilwatda dismissed concerns about the lack of a formidable challenge in 2027, stating that it is not the APC’s responsibility to organise its rivals.

“It is the duty of the opposition to organise themselves; we are very happy if they can’t. Our duty is to ensure we win. We are presenting our scorecard to Nigerians, and they believe in us. You can see from the by-elections and off-season elections that APC has been winning left, right, and centre,” he said.

The visit coincided with a meeting between the APC leadership and some serving ministers, including Atiku Bagudu (Budget and Planning), Wale Edun (Finance), Imaan Suleiman (Women Affairs), and the Policy Adviser to the President, Hadiza Bala Usman.

Yilwatda explained that such interactions are part of a deliberate strategy to create synergy between the party and the executive branch, ensuring that campaign promises are being fulfilled in line with the party’s vision.