By TALATU MAIWADA

Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has described his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a strategic move to strengthen the party and secure at least 85 per cent of votes in 2027.

Fintiri made this known on Monday in Yola during an APC stakeholders’ meeting attended by party leaders and supporters.

He expressed confidence that the realignment would boost APC’s electoral prospects in Adamawa ahead of future polls.

“We’re not here to take over or displace anyone, but to strengthen the APC and deliver in 2027.

“Let us come out with our forceful political capacity in peace and harmony in a stable political environment and and deliver to Mr President, Bola Tinubu, with at least 85 per cent,” he said.

Fintiri stressed that his decision was not driven by personal ambition but by the need to consolidate peace, stability and development in the state.

He commended the president and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for their support during the defection process and urged APC members to warmly receive new entrants.

Fintiri called for grassroots meetings across wards and local government areas to solidify the new political alignment and integrate into APC with discipline and maturity.

He assured party faithful of his commitment to justice, fairness and inclusivity, emphasising that leadership must be guided by equity and mutual respect.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar, described the development as momentous and expressed confidence in Adamawa’s capacity to deliver victory for APC.

“Today, we formally receive the governor, united under one flag. We are moving forward and making progress.

“We have the capacity to deliver victory for APC and take our rightful place in the comity of states,” he said.

The APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mr Mustapha Salihu, while describing the meeting as significant for Adamawa politics, commended the governor for moving his structure into the party. (NAN)