Fintiri’s Defection Deepens Atiku’s Political Losses, Says TMSG

Fintiri’s Defection Deepens Atiku’s Political Losses, Says TMSG

The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has said the recent defection of Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, governor of Adamawa State, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) represents a significant political setback for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Governor Fintiri recently announced his switch to the ruling party alongside members of his cabinet and 16 state lawmakers, a development that has generated reactions across the political landscape.

The former vice president had reportedly suggested that the move was influenced by pressure from the federal administration.

However, in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, the TMSG dismissed the allegation, arguing that Atiku was reacting out of frustration after losing key political allies in his home state.

“Our attention has been drawn to the reaction of the former Vice President to the decision of his longtime ally and Adamawa governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, to leave the PDP for the APC,” the group said.

“We understand how painful it can be for a politician of his stature to lose a major ally, an entire cabinet, and the party structure in his home state to the party of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rather than see them align with him in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).”

The group argued that it was inappropriate to suggest that governors were being forced to join the ruling party, noting that many of them wield considerable political influence in their respective states.

According to TMSG, several governors who have recently aligned with the APC did so because of their assessment of the Tinubu administration’s governance style and its engagement with state governments.

The group referenced comments by Abdullahi Sule, governor of Nasarawa State, who had praised the president’s ability to work with leaders across party lines.

TMSG also pointed to what it described as improved fiscal conditions for state governments, noting that allocations from the federation account had increased in recent years.

“On President Tinubu’s watch, allocations to the states have more than doubled, and governors are experiencing the benefits of a more balanced federal system,” the statement said.

It added that, unlike in previous administrations, federal authority had not been used to undermine state governments, even in the implementation of local government autonomy following a ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The group further argued that the decision by Fintiri to join the APC reflected internal political dynamics within Adamawa and was not the result of coercion.

It also noted that Atiku’s son, Abba Atiku Abubakar, had similarly chosen to associate with the ruling party instead of aligning with his father’s political platform.

“President Tinubu has demonstrated over the years a capacity to build alliances and political structures through bridge-building and collaboration,” the statement added.

The group traced Tinubu’s political influence through platforms such as the Alliance for Democracy, Action Congress, and Action Congress of Nigeria, which later became part of the APC.

It contrasted this with what it described as Atiku’s frequent movement between political parties over the years.

TMSG concluded that the political developments in Adamawa underscored the growing appeal of the APC and suggested that more political realignments could occur ahead of the 2027 elections.