President Bola Tinubu is set for a one-day official visit to Adamawa State on Monday, a trip that has reignited political speculation over Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and his alleged plan to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
The President’s visit to Yola comes less than 48 hours after his trip to Kebbi State and includes the inauguration of major infrastructure projects and high-level meetings with political leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders.
Tinubu to Inaugurate Major Infrastructure Projects in Yola
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled “President Tinubu to visit Yola, interact with leaders, inaugurate completed projects,” the presidency confirmed that several landmark projects will be commissioned.
Projects slated for inauguration include:
The eight-lane Galadima Aminu Road linking Gimba to Yola
A model school with pre-primary, primary, and junior secondary sections
A newly constructed multipurpose hall
A remodelled High Court complex
A newly built officers’ complex
The renovated Government House
The projects, located in Yola and Jimeta, are described as having a direct impact on socio-economic development in Adamawa State.
APC Branding Floods Yola Ahead of Presidential Visit
Ahead of the visit, Yola witnessed a noticeable surge in APC flags and billboards. Observers reported that several PDP insignia were removed across major roads, including the Yola International Airport Road, intensifying rumours of a potential political realignment.
City workers were also seen repainting road kerbs in black and white, while heavily armed security personnel and armoured vehicles were deployed across strategic locations to ensure tight security.
The strong APC presence has fueled widespread speculation that Governor Fintiri may be preparing to defect to the ruling party.
APC Confirms Ongoing Talks With Fintiri
APC officials at both state and national levels have acknowledged ongoing discussions with the governor.
The APC North-East National Vice Chairman, Mustapha Salihu, confirmed in December 2025 that negotiations were in progress, stressing that freedom of association is constitutional.
Similarly, Adamawa APC spokesman, Mohammed Abdullahi, had earlier stated that talks with Fintiri were advanced and predicted that the governor could join the APC before the 2027 general election.
A serving member of the House of Representatives from Adamawa, who spoke anonymously, claimed that Fintiri had briefed senior PDP figures about plans to defect shortly after Tinubu’s visit.
According to the lawmaker, discussions about bringing Fintiri into the APC reportedly began during the administration of Muhammadu Buhari.
Adamawa PDP Downplays Defection Speculation
Despite the growing rumours, the Adamawa PDP dismissed the political significance of the removal of party flags.
The party’s Publicity Secretary, Victor Dogo, stated that Tinubu’s visit demonstrates cooperation in governance rather than partisan alignment.
“PDP believes in results, not mounting flags on streets that cannot bring development to the people of Adamawa State,” he said.
However, Dogo acknowledged that it would not be unlawful if the governor chose to defect, adding that many party members would follow him if he made such a decision.
Fintiri Speaks on Political Future
Speaking to journalists last week, Governor Fintiri maintained that politics is about service to the people. He stated that if the people of Adamawa desired his move to the APC, he would have no option but to respect their wishes.
Speculation over his defection has persisted since 2024, with APC leaders repeatedly hinting at high-level negotiations.
Political Implications Ahead of 2027 Elections
Tinubu’s Adamawa visit is being closely watched as a potential turning point in the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election.
While the governor has not formally announced any defection, the convergence of infrastructure commissioning, visible APC mobilisation, and confirmed negotiations suggests that Adamawa politics may be on the verge of a significant shift.
Whether the visit represents routine governance or a strategic political realignment remains to be seen.
