The Kabiru Turaki led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday formally confirmed the defection of the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as an act of “political cowardice” and a setback to multi-party democracy.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP said it was aware of the governor’s official announcement of his defection via a state broadcast, noting that the development had long been speculated but repeatedly denied by Fintiri himself.
The party recalled that the governor had as recently as last week dismissed rumours of his planned exit, particularly after a recent presidential visit to the state.
It said the latest announcement had now put to rest what it described as “hitherto rumours” regarding his alignment with the ruling party.
Fintiri, according to the statement, justified his decision on the grounds of pursuing the “developmental interest” of Adamawa State.
But the PDP argued that while the governor reserves the constitutional right to freedom of association, the decision raises moral and political concerns.
“While we acknowledge that this move is well within his legal rights, it is clearly against political principles and morality, and poses a challenge to multi-party democracy and democratic consolidation,” the statement read.
The party further contended that abandoning a political platform that provided electoral backing and political support across multiple election cycles at a time of perceived discomfort amounted to an “exhibition of unrestrained cowardice” rather than principled leadership.
“As we bid Governor Fintiri farewell, we remind him that history and posterity are the ultimate and unbiased judges of human conduct,” the PDP stated, adding that the actions and inactions of public office holders are continually being recorded in the court of public opinion.
The opposition party urged its members and supporters in Adamawa State to remain calm and resolute despite the development.
It described the moment as a test of loyalty and conviction, encouraging party faithful to stay committed to what it termed the ongoing “rebirth movement” within the PDP.
The party expressed optimism that its repositioning efforts would ultimately restore it to electoral competitiveness and political relevance in the state and beyond.
