Fintiri’s Defection to APC a Blow to Atiku — TMSG
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Tinubu Media Support Group, TMSG has said the recent defection of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, to the All Progressives Congress, APC is a major political setback for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The group also described the development as another political victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Fintiri reportedly defected to the APC alongside members of his cabinet and 16 state legislators, leaving the Peoples Democratic Party, a move Atiku had reportedly criticised, alleging pressure from the Federal Government.
However, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, the group said the former vice president was the one under pressure after losing key political allies in his home state.
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The group described Atiku’s reaction as “lame and tepid,” noting that it understood how painful it could be for a politician of his stature to lose a major ally and the political structure of the PDP in Adamawa to the ruling party.
According to the statement, the claim that Fintiri was intimidated into joining the APC was “improper and insulting,” adding that governors are political strongmen who take decisions based on political realities.
The group argued that Fintiri’s decision to defect was influenced by President Tinubu’s governance style and his relationship with state governors across party lines.
It quoted Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, as previously praising Tinubu’s leadership approach and his ability to work with governors irrespective of political affiliation.
TMSG added that the Tinubu administration had strengthened federalism by ensuring increased financial allocations to states and allowing sub-national governments greater fiscal space.
The group further accused the administration in which Atiku served as vice president of being overbearing, alleging that federal power was previously used to remove several governors from office.
It also noted that Fintiri’s decision to join the APC, alongside the move by Atiku’s son, Abba Atiku Abubakar, to align with the ruling party reflected a shift in political loyalty within the former vice president’s base.
The group maintained that President Tinubu had built political structures over the years, tracing his influence from the Alliance for Democracy to the Action Congress of Nigeria and eventually the formation of the APC.
It added that Atiku’s frequent movement across political parties contrasted with what it described as Tinubu’s consistent political strategy.
TMSG further said it would not be surprising if Atiku moved to another political platform should he fail in his reported 2027 presidential ambition.
