.Shettima says governor, supporters are “partners, not strangers” in mission to build functional Nigeria

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), throwing his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s agenda and reshaping early political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Vice President Kashim Shettima formally received the governor and his supporters into the ruling party on Monday in Yola, describing the move as a strategic alignment with a shared vision of building a functional and responsive Nigerian state.

Addressing a large crowd at the Mahmud Ribadu Square, Shettima assured the new entrants that they were not joining the APC as outsiders but as partners in a collective mission to deliver good governance.

“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I warmly welcome you, Governor Fintiri, and your supporters. 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 meets the aspirations of our people,” the Vice President said.

He described democracy as a “marketplace of choices,” where leadership decisions must strengthen institutions, noting that the APC under Tinubu has demonstrated progressive governance capable of attracting broad-based support.

According to him, the growing influx of political actors into the APC reflects increasing public confidence in the party’s structure, vision and capacity to manage national challenges.

Shettima said Fintiri’s entry into the APC brings valuable governance experience and fresh perspectives that would strengthen the party’s policy direction.

“Political parties must evolve and draw strength from diversity of thought. This convergence is not an end, but a renewal of purpose and hope,” he added.

The Vice President also commended the governor’s record in Adamawa State, citing infrastructure development and public works as evidence of results-driven leadership.

Earlier, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nantawe Yilwatda, praised Fintiri’s performance in office, particularly in road infrastructure, education and healthcare, describing him as “too impactful to remain in the opposition.”

Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, who represented the President of the Senate, said the governor’s decision places Adamawa within the mainstream of national politics and opens new avenues for collaboration at the federal level.

Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, described the APC as a dominant political platform driven by President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing confidence that Fintiri’s entry would accelerate development in Adamawa.

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, particularly its economic reforms.

“Mr. President has taken bold steps that are placing the country on a recovery path. We have joined forces to support him and ensure victory for the APC in 2027,” he said.

The governor pledged to mobilise support for the ruling party in the state, expressing confidence that the APC would secure a decisive victory in the next general elections.

This is as he also reiterated his position that the South should complete its eight-year tenure.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the APC flag to Fintiri as leader of the party in Adamawa State.

Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima later paid a courtesy visit to the Lamido of Adamawa, Dr. Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Musdafa, where he reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions as key partners in grassroots governance.

The monarch commended President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their leadership and commitment to national development.