Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday clarified that Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has automatically become the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State following his defection to the party last month.
Shettima made the statement during a reception in Adamawa State held in honor of Fintiri, amid ongoing debate over whether the former National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, retained leadership of the party in the state. The vice president said the defection effectively transferred the party leadership to the incumbent governor.
Citing examples from other states, Shettima explained that party leadership is not determined by federal party positions. “In my home state of Borno State, Governor Babagana Zulum is the party leader, not me, and in Plateau State, even though the APC National Chairman hails from the state, Governor Caleb Mutfwang is the party leader,” he said.
Shettima emphasized that party leadership is tied to the sitting governor of a state, underscoring that Fintiri’s defection means he now holds that position in Adamawa. The clarification is seen as a move to settle confusion among party members and supporters regarding the hierarchy following Fintiri’s defection.
The vice president also urged APC members in Adamawa to rally behind Fintiri and work cohesively to strengthen the party’s presence and performance in the state ahead of upcoming elections.
READ ALSO: Onazi and Abdullahi in battle for Champions League redemption
Party insiders noted that disputes over state leadership often arise when senior figures hold national roles, but Shettima’s examples were intended to reinforce that governance and party leadership at the state level remain tied to the incumbent governor.
Fintiri’s defection to the APC last month marked a significant political shift in Adamawa, drawing attention from both the state and national political landscape. Shettima’s statement is expected to clarify internal party arrangements and reinforce Fintiri’s authority within the APC in the state.
The reception also provided an opportunity for APC leaders and members in Adamawa to demonstrate support for the governor, signaling a consolidated front following the transition and addressing concerns over internal party alignment.
