Shettima to Fintiri: You’re no stranger in APC’s mission to build Nigeria

…APC leaders hail governor’s record, say move strengthens Tinubu’s agenda By Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday told Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and his supporters that they were not joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) as strangers but as partners in a shared mission to build a functional Nigeria. Shettima, who spoke to a mammoth crowd of party faithful and supporters, at a grand reception held at the Mahmud Ribadu Square in Yola, formally received the governor into the ruling party on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the defection as a convergence of purpose anchored on national development and democratic consolidation.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “you are not strangers to this house. You are partners in a shared mission; to build a nation that works, a democracy that delivers, and a future that rewards the aspirations of our people”.

He said the governor’s entry into the APC reinforced the idea that democracy is sustained not only by the mandate of the people but also by the responsibility of political leaders to make decisions that strengthen the system they serve. Describing democracy as a “marketplace of choices,” Shettima noted that the increasing wave of defections into the APC reflected Nigerians’ preference for structure, vision and a party that understands the burden of governance.

“I am therefore excited to join you in yet another endorsement of the progressive politics the All Progressives Congress has demonstrated under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said. The Vice President added that the ruling party remained open to new ideas and experience, stressing that Fintiri’s entry represented a renewal of purpose and an infusion of fresh thinking into its ranks. He also commended the governor’s performance in Adamawa State, citing visible improvements in infrastructure and public works as evidence of purposeful governance.

“They speak of a leadership that understands that governance is measured in results. For this, Your Excellency, we salute your work ethic,” he said, assuring that the partnership would advance both the state and the nation. Earlier, the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nantawe Yilwatda, praised Fintiri’s developmental strides, particularly in road infrastructure, education and healthcare, saying the governor’s performance stood out nationally.

“Your Excellency, I am proud of you. You are too good to be in the opposition. You are good to belong to the progressives… you are welcome to where you rightly belong,” he said.

Also speaking, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, described the defection as a bold and strategic move that would position Adamawa State within the mainstream of national politics and deepen collaboration among governors. Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, said the APC remained the only party driven by a clear vision, anchored on President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Describing the ruling party as a “brand,” Uzodimma declared that “it is either APC or nothing,” adding that the entry of Governor Fintiri would usher in greater development for Adamawa State and strengthen national progress.

In his remarks, Governor Fintiri said his decision to join the APC was informed by the need to align with the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration, which he said were already yielding results.

“Mr President has done so much and has put the country on a recovery path, especially the microeconomic policies of the administration. So, we have come with a good number to support him and support the APC to win the 2027 elections,” he said. The governor assured that the APC would record a landslide victory in Adamawa State in the next general elections, pledging to mobilise widespread support across the state.

Fintiri also reiterated his position on power rotation, urging Nigerians to support the continuation of the presidency in the South to complete an eight-year tenure. Highlight of the event was the presentation of the APC flag to the governor, symbolising his emergence as the party leader in Adamawa State.

Meanwhile, shortly after the reception, Vice President Shettima paid a courtesy visit to the Lamido of Adamawa, Dr. Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, where he reaffirmed the commitment of the Tinubu administration to preserving traditional institutions.

“You are the custodians of our rich cultural heritage… you are the last line of contact with the grassroots,” the Vice President said. Responding, the Lamido commended President Tinubu and the Vice President for their leadership and commitment to national development.