Breaking: Ahmadu Fintiri Joins APC, Weakens PDP in North-East

In a significant political shake-up in Nigeria, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), delivering a major blow to the opposition and reshaping the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Governor Fintiri announced his defection during a statewide broadcast on Friday, stating that his decision was driven by what he described as the developmental interest of the people of Adamawa State. The move signals a new phase of political alignment between Adamawa and the federal ruling party.

The governor did not defect alone. Several members of his cabinet and key PDP officials in Adamawa State also joined the APC, marking a sweeping political shift within the state. The development significantly weakens the PDP’s structure in one of its notable strongholds in the North-East.

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The defection follows weeks of mounting speculation after multiple members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly — including the Speaker and Deputy Speaker — resigned from the PDP. Most of the lawmakers are expected to align with the APC, potentially strengthening the ruling party’s legislative grip in the state.

Political observers describe the development as a major strategic victory for the APC, particularly in the North-East region. Adamawa has long been politically associated with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, making the governor’s move even more consequential within national political calculations.

The defection comes amid increasing political realignments in Nigeria, as governors, lawmakers and influential party figures reposition ahead of the next electoral cycle. Analysts say such shifts could significantly influence party strength, coalition building and campaign strategies in the lead-up to 2027.

With this move, the APC expands its influence across more states, while the PDP faces renewed internal pressure to stabilize its ranks and prevent further defections.

As of press time, the national leadership of the PDP had not issued an official response to the development.

Breaking: Ahmadu Fintiri Joins APC, Weakens PDP in North-East

Atiku, Other Opposition Leaders Reject Tinubu‑Signed Electoral Act 2026

Nigerian opposition leaders, including former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and David Mark, have rejected the recently amended Electoral Act 2026 signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a threat to free, fair, and credible elections ahead of the 2027 general election.

The opposition bloc, comprising major parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC), criticized the speed and process through which the National Assembly passed the legislation, warning that it disproportionately benefits the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

At a press briefing in Abuja, Ajuri Ahmed of the NNPP alleged that the law positions President Tinubu as the sole viable presidential contender while weakening transparency. He highlighted the inclusion of a manual results transmission clause, questioning why, when statistics show results can be electronically transmitted from every polling unit, the provision was retained. (african.business)

Ahmed also cited the recent FCT Area Council elections as evidence of potential bias in the act, saying the new INEC Chairman’s performance revealed gaps in election management that could compromise future polls. He questioned the rush with which President Tinubu signed the act, contrasting it with delays on other legislative bills.

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Opposition Demands

• Fresh Amendment of Electoral Act: Opposition leaders insist that the National Assembly should review and amend the act to eliminate provisions that could undermine election integrity.
• Mandatory Real-Time Electronic Results Transmission: They emphasized that all polling unit results should be transmitted electronically to prevent manipulation and fraud.
• Transparent Candidate Nomination Processes: They called for reforms ensuring fair access for all parties, arguing current provisions favor the ruling APC. (punchng.com)

The opposition stressed that their objections are non-partisan, aimed solely at safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting voters’ rights, and ensuring credible elections in 2027. They also urged civil society groups, rights organizations, and Nigerians to support efforts for transparent and accountable electoral reforms.

The ruling APC has defended the amendments, claiming they clarify electoral procedures and strengthen the legal framework for elections. However, critics maintain that the manual results transmission provision leaves room for disputes and potential manipulation, threatening public confidence in the electoral process. (independent.ng)

The controversy surrounding the Electoral Act 2026 amendment continues to deepen political tensions in Nigeria, with the opposition insisting that fresh legislative reforms are necessary to guarantee fair and credible elections.

Atiku, Other Opposition Leaders Reject Tinubu‑Signed Electoral Act 2026

‘Peter Obi Fuels Political Tension in Edo’ — Govt Responds After ADC Attack in Benin City

The Edo State Government has strongly reacted to a recent attack on supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin City, accusing former presidential candidate Peter Obi of fanning political instability in the state.

Speaking during a live interview on Channels Television, the Edo State Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua, described Obi as a “problem in Edo politics”, claiming that his involvement in any political party often triggers internal conflicts and public disorder. “Peter Obi is a problem to the politics of Edo because any party he belongs to is crisis, crisis, crisis,” Afegbua said.

The statement came after gunmen reportedly disrupted an ADC-related gathering, including attacks near party offices and the residence of former APC national chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, causing minor injuries and property damage. The commissioner alleged that the event was not properly coordinated with security agencies, and suggested that elements within the ADC may have provoked unrest under the guise of political mobilization.

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Afegbua stressed that the state government remains committed to maintaining peace and denied any involvement in the attack. He confirmed that security agencies are investigating the incident, and anyone found culpable would face prosecution. The commissioner also warned that Edo would not become a theatre for political confrontation ahead of upcoming elections.

The attack has been widely condemned. ADC supporters, known as Obidients, accused the Edo government of intimidation and political bias, insisting that the gathering was peaceful before being disrupted by unidentified assailants. Civil society groups and opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, also condemned the violence, calling for transparent investigations and accountability.

Governor Monday Okpebholo reiterated the state’s commitment to peace and security, attributing the incident to internal party disputes within the ADC rather than a politically targeted attack. He urged all political actors to exercise restraint and avoid exploiting local tensions for partisan advantage.

Observers note that the incident highlights rising political tensions in Edo State as the 2027 elections approach. Analysts warn that unchecked hostility and violent clashes could undermine democratic engagement, threaten public safety, and deepen mistrust between political parties and the electorate.

‘Peter Obi Fuels Political Tension in Edo’ — Govt Responds After ADC Attack in Benin City