President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that Governors are leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in their respective states
The issue of who leads the APC following the defection of Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to the party became knotty.
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu had been the torch bearer and leader of the APC until Fintiri suddenly decamped to the APC.
While stating the postings of Governors, President represented by his Vice President—said that Fintiri remains the authentic party leader in the state, in line with party hierarchy.
He also announced plans to bring on board the first APC Governor in the state, Jibrilla Bindow, a chieftain of the ADC back to APC.
The popular Ribadu Square in Adamawa State was filled to capacity by thousands of APC supporters from across the 21 local government areas of the state despite the scorching sun the Vice President Kashim Shetima and ten All Progressive Governors Forum led by Hope Uzodimma came by 4pm
The sunwaves made the crowd restless but gathered in anticipation of seeing President Tinubu and witnessing the presentation of the party flag to the Governor.
Speaking at the event, the Vice President used the platform to address and resolve the leadership crisis rocking the party.
He emphasied that Governor Fintiri is now the highest-ranking APC member in the state, making him the party leader.
Welcoming Governor Fintiri to the APC on behalf of other Governors, Chairman of the All Progressives Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, appreciated the people of Adamawa State for supporting the Governor’s move to join the party
He appreciated Nigerians for supporting the Tinubu administration, stressing that Fintiri’s defection would bring more development to the state.
The APC National Chairman Prof Nentawe Yilwatda and the State APC Chairman Barrister Shuaibu Idris in their separate remarks, thanked President Tinubu for his reform agenda, which they said has attracted many to the party, with the support of Malam Nuhu Ribadu.
They described Fintiri as an added asset to the APC, expressing confidence that his defection would strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
In his remarks, Governor Fintiri welcomed President Tinubu to the grand reception held in his honour.
He said his realignment with President Tinubu is based on the bold steps taken by the APC-led Federal Government through various policies particularly the conditional cash transfer programs.
He added that he is joining forces with the President to move the country forward and expressed confidence that Tinubu would win overwhelmingly in the 2027 general elections in the state.
However, the President’s pronouncement at the rally has clarified the leadership structure in the state.
It is expected that Fintiri’s emergence as party leader will strengthen the party’s chances in the forthcoming Governorship election.