Tinubu Deserves Second Term, Says Fintiri

Tinubu Deserves Second Term, Says Fintiri

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves a second term in office, citing what he described as positive outcomes from ongoing economic reforms.

Fintiri made the statement on Wednesday, during a courtesy visit to the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC ) in Abuja, where he met with the party’s National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and members of the National Working Committee.

The visit formally sealed Fintiri’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, a move that has reshaped the political landscape in Adamawa State and stirred reactions within the opposition.

Until recently, Fintiri was a prominent figure in the PDP and served as governor under the party’s platform. His switch to the ruling APC comes amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the next general elections.

Speaking at the APC headquarters, Fintiri pledged total commitment to his new party and promised to add electoral strength to its fold.

“I am here officially to pay a courtesy call on the National Chairman and the members of the NWC to further pledge my full loyalty to the party.

“We have come to work and ensure that we deliver on the electoral value that we bring to the party in the next general election. That is what matters to our party, the APC,” he said.

The Adamawa governor used the occasion to openly endorse President Tinubu’s leadership, stating that despite the initial hardships caused by recent economic adjustments, the country is beginning to see encouraging signs.

“Yes, it was rough for most of us because we are not used to it,” Fintiri said, referring to the administration’s macroeconomic policies. “But it has given a very positive result to us, and the country is really working in the right direction. It seems to be agreed by all of us that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Tinubu’s administration has implemented major reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange system; policies that sparked public debate and economic strain but were defended by the government as necessary steps to stabilise the economy.

Responding to the governor’s visit, APC National Chairman Yilwatda described Fintiri as a valuable addition to the ruling party. He praised the governor’s record in Adamawa State, particularly in infrastructure development and governance coordination.

“He is a progressive with a progressive mind. He wouldn’t have settled anywhere else than the APC, where his policies would be best appreciated and where he can fit into the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President,” Yilwatda said.

The chairman also spoke on the state of opposition politics, saying the APC remains focused on consolidating its base and preparing for future elections.

“It is our duty to organize; it is the opposition’s duty to organize themselves. We are very happy if they can’t, because our duty is to ensure we win the election,” Yilwatda stated.

He further explained that recent visits by serving ministers and governors to the party headquarters reflect a deliberate effort to strengthen coordination between the party and the executive arm of government.

According to him, the APC is committed to ensuring that the promises made under the Renewed Hope agenda are implemented effectively.

Fintiri’s defection marks one of the most notable political shifts in recent months. As a two-term governor who rose through the ranks of the PDP, his decision to cross over to the ruling party signals changing alliances ahead of the next electoral cycle.