BREAKING: APC Set to Control 30 States as Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri Reportedly Plans Defection

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is on the verge of consolidating political control across 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states, following indications that Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, is set to defect to the ruling party.

If confirmed, the move would mark one of the most extensive territorial expansions by any political party since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

Fintiri’s anticipated defection is seen as particularly significant because Adamawa is the home state of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a major contender in the 2027 presidential race.

Naija News understands that the governor’s alignment with the APC could weaken Atiku’s political base ahead of the next general election.

The consolidation follows a series of strategic realignments, including the imminent formal reception of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, into the APC at a ceremony scheduled for Monday.

Senior party sources who spoke with Arise Tv described Kano as pivotal to the APC’s expansion strategy.

“Kano is the political nerve centre of the political north. Kano is the most cosmopolitan community in the north… At the same time, Kano politics is also very dynamic and it’s always changing. So, for us it’s a big addition to the APC family,” a senior source said.

“More than that, it’s one of the highest voting populations in the country, if not the biggest. In terms of opposition in the north-west, Kano was the biggest opposition. So, adding Kano to our side has thoroughly weakened the opposition in the region,” the source added.

Party insiders also indicated that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, may be formally received into the APC after Ramadan, a move expected to reinforce the party’s hold in the South-South.
Fintiri’s Calculated Shift

Fintiri, who has been linked to ongoing consultations over his political future, recently hinted at the possibility of joining the APC.

“If that is the wish of my people to defect, I have no choice because politics is all about it. But then, there are people who are making noise. There are people who have made their lives to be political merchants. They are so cheap. They are afraid,” he said.

Party sources, however, suggested that his formal defection may not occur until April.

Ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled visit to Yola, APC flags and billboards have reportedly flooded major streets of the Adamawa capital, fuelling speculation of Fintiri’s imminent exit from the Peoples Democratic Party.

Sources also disclosed that another North-East governor remains “on the radar” of the ruling party.

“We also have another governor from the North-east on our radar. These conversations are ongoing and progressing,” a source revealed.

If successful, the APC could extend its control to 31 states.

Responding to allegations that governors were being pressured to defect, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, denied any coercion.

He said, “There is no coercion. They see the difference. They see the opportunities.”

He attributed the party’s growing dominance to what he described as tangible governance outcomes, improved security operations and major infrastructure projects.

Yilwatda cited the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano gas pipeline as a key driver of political interest.

“There are many reasons why many people are going with us. These include the AKK project, one of the most expensive projects ever undertaken in this country… A lot of gas companies will be built along the pipeline… So, who would not like to be part of that?” he said.

He also highlighted the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano rail modernisation and its extension to Maradi in Niger Republic.

“Niger is landlocked, Sudan, Burkina Faso is landlocked, Chad is landlocked. All the imports will be dependent on that port in Maradi. Part of the agreement is that Nigerian customs will be stationed there… Nigeria will collect import duties like it’s in Nigeria,” he stated.

On the proposed Sokoto–Badagry super highway, Yilwatda said the corridor would host over 60 dams for agriculture and water reticulation.

“Real estate prices around the corridor will rise. If you are the governor of Kano, for instance, won’t you be excited to be part of this. So, there’s no coercion,” he emphasised.

APC currently controls states including Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano (incoming), Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers (in view), Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Adamawa (anticipated). See more

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