Atiku’s Son Quits Fintiri’s Cabinet After Defection

Atiku’s Son Quits Fintiri’s Cabinet After Defection

Adamu Abubakar, son of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has resigned from his position as Commissioner for Works and Energy Development in Adamawa State, days after Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adamu’s resignation, dated March 2, 2026, followed the governor’s official exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on February 27.

The governor announced his move to the APC alongside key political allies in the state, marking a significant shift in Adamawa’s political landscape.

Although the resignation letter was formally addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government, sources close to the development said Adamu chose not to join the APC out of loyalty to his father’s political alignment.

Atiku Abubakar, a former PDP presidential candidate, is now associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Governor Fintiri had claimed that 22 out of the 24 commissioners in his cabinet followed him to the APC. However, Adamu Abubakar and the Commissioner for Livestock, Maksha Atiku, reportedly declined to sign the endorsement list backing the governor’s defection.

The wave of defections has sparked political reactions within and outside the state. Atiku Abubakar had earlier described the trend as being driven by “pressure and intimidation,” dismissing suggestions that it reflected growing strength within the APC.

The governor’s defection also triggered changes in the legislative arm of the state government. Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Wesley Bathiya, along with 14 lawmakers, resigned their positions and aligned with the APC.