Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday received Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, into the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring him the party leader in the state.
The reception, held at the Mahmud Ribadu Square, attracted a large turnout of party stakeholders, supporters from across the 226 political wards of the state, and dignitaries from the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour, Shettima described Fintiri’s defection as a significant political development that would strengthen the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He noted that the governor’s move aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and clarified that by virtue of his office, Fintiri automatically assumes leadership of the APC in Adamawa State.
The Vice President cited similar precedents in Borno State and Plateau State, where serving governors lead party structures despite the presence of other high-ranking party members.
In his remarks, Fintiri appreciated the Vice President and other dignitaries for honouring the invitation and commended party stakeholders for organising the reception.
He thanked the people of Adamawa State for their continued support and assured them of sustained commitment to good governance until the end of his tenure on May 29, 2027.
The governor also called on citizens to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in the interest of national development.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, and the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, who both welcomed the governor into the party.
Meanwhile, shortly after the rally, the Vice President held a closed-door meeting with Royal Fathers in Adamawa as part of his official engagements in Yola.
During the meeting, Shettima emphasised the importance of traditional institutions in sustaining peace, unity and political stability, noting that royal fathers remain vital partners in governance, particularly during periods of political transition.
He assured the traditional rulers of the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with cultural institutions, stressing that their influence and moral authority are indispensable in fostering harmony among communities.
Security was visibly heightened across Yola, with the Nigeria Police Force deploying personnel to strategic locations to ensure a smooth and incident-free event.
The Vice President’s engagements were widely seen as strategic steps to consolidate APC’s influence in Adamawa while reinforcing the role of traditional institutions in maintaining peace and stability in the state.
