Atiku’s Son Resigns as Adamawa Commissioner Following Fintiri’s APC Defection

Yola, Adamawa State — Adamu Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has formally resigned from his role as Commissioner for Works and Energy Development in Adamawa State. The resignation comes in the wake of recent political shifts in the state, including the defection of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and several cabinet members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a resignation letter dated March 2, 2026, addressed to Governor Fintiri, Adamu cited “deep personal reflection and careful consideration” as the reason for stepping down. He described his tenure as an honour and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, highlighting the privilege of contributing to the state’s infrastructural development.

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Adamu also thanked the people of Adamawa State for their support throughout his time in office and acknowledged the trust placed in him by the governor, stating that the enabling environment allowed him to discharge his duties with commitment and diligence. He concluded the letter with prayers for the governor, asking Allah to grant him continued strength and guidance in serving the state.

Observers note that Adamu’s resignation is particularly significant because he chose not to follow Governor Fintiri and other commissioners in defecting to the APC on February 27, 2026. His absence from the group of 22 commissioners who announced the defection highlighted a deliberate decision to chart his own course in the current political landscape.

Political analysts suggest that Adamu’s move may reflect personal conviction or a strategic step towards future political ambitions. During his tenure, he oversaw key initiatives in infrastructure and energy development, although his departure leaves questions about continuity and the future leadership of the ministry.

Governor Fintiri has yet to announce a replacement for Adamu, though insiders indicate that a shortlist of potential successors is being considered. Analysts believe the resignation adds a new layer to Adamawa State politics, particularly as the state navigates party realignments and positions itself ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Atiku’s Son Resigns as Adamawa Commissioner Following Fintiri’s APC Defection

Wike Blasts Kingibe Over FCT Council Election Remarks

The Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has criticised Senator Ireti Kingibe over her comments on the recent FCT local government council elections, insisting that elections are a process, not a one-day event.

Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja, Wike emphasised that voters, not surveys or last-minute claims, determine election results. He explained that preparations for elections begin well before voting day, from candidate nomination and party primaries to campaigns and voter engagement, noting that a survey conducted on February 21 should not be used as a definitive reflection of outcomes.

“It’s a process that starts from the nomination of candidates. It’s a process that goes through a campaign before it gets to an election. So election is not just that particular date of voting,” Wike said.

He compared the electoral process to exam preparation, warning that those who fail to prepare often make excuses.

“You know the exam will come in two or three months. Nobody waits for the last minute to prepare. You must attend classes and read,” Wike explained.
“That is why students who are not prepared call for strikes to avoid the exam,” he added.

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Wike also referenced claims by Kingibe, who reportedly vowed to use the February 21 council elections to “teach me a lesson”. He dismissed this as politically motivated, noting that some parties had earlier suggested that the council election could influence the 2027 general election.

The minister rejected allegations that he declared a curfew, saying the decision he referenced was approved by President and granted residents a work-free day to travel safely to their areas of origin.

“By the approval of Mr. President, people were given a work-free day so they could travel and not return late. I never declared any curfew,” Wike said.

He added that, as a minister representing the President, his decisions are guided by security intelligence reports unavailable to the public.

The exchange highlights growing political tensions in the FCT, where electoral credibility and governance remain contentious ahead of upcoming elections.

Wike Blasts Kingibe Over FCT Council Election Remarks

ADC South‑South Leaders Clash on Alleged Amaechi Consensus Support

Benin City / Abuja — March 1, 2026

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is currently experiencing internal divisions after conflicting reports emerged regarding the alleged endorsement of former Rotimi Amaechi as the South‑South consensus candidate for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.

Initial reports suggested that Amaechi had received unanimous backing from senior ADC leaders across the South‑South geopolitical zone during a February 27 meeting in Benin City. Attendees reportedly included party executives from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers states, with the session chaired by former John Odigie‑Oyegun, a prominent national party leader. Sources claimed Amaechi outlined his presidential ambitions and was met with a show of regional support.

However, other senior party officials quickly disputed these claims, insisting that no formal endorsement was made. The South‑South ADC Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mabel Oboh, clarified that the meeting’s main objectives were to strengthen party cohesion, mobilize grassroots support, and prepare strategically for future elections. She emphasized that Amaechi’s presentation of his presidential intent was a courtesy briefing to regional leaders, and no motion, vote, or resolution endorsing any aspirant occurred at the gathering.

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Supporting Oboh’s position, the party’s National Deputy Publicity Secretary, Jackie Wayas, stated that consultation does not equate to endorsement, stressing that candidate selection resides with the ADC’s constitutional organs and membership, not solely with zonal executives. Similarly, ADC chieftain Prof. Pat Utomi described the reports of Amaechi’s endorsement as “inaccurate and misleading”, noting that presenting ambitions to party leaders is a standard practice but does not confer automatic backing.

Despite these clarifications, National Vice Chairman (South‑South), Usani Uguru Usani, insisted that regional leaders had shown support for Amaechi through a voice affirmation, while noting that such backing was voluntary and non-binding on individual party members.

The situation illustrates a widening divide within ADC’s South‑South ranks over early positioning in the 2027 presidential race. Amaechi is among several aspirants seeking the party’s ticket, alongside notable figures such as former Atiku Abubakar and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, heightening competition and scrutiny of internal party democracy.

Political analysts say the controversy underscores broader challenges in party cohesion, process legitimacy, and regional influence in Nigeria’s opposition politics. How the ADC resolves these conflicting narratives may have significant implications for its 2027 electoral strategy and national alliances.

ADC South‑South Leaders Clash on Alleged Amaechi Consensus Support