Tinubu hails Fintiri’s defection, expresses optimism over N’East victory

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President Bola Tinubu has commended Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for what he described as “fantastic” infrastructure development within a short period in office.

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Speaking on Monday in Yola at a grand reception held for Fintiri, the President said the governor’s alignment with the All Progressives Congress is a major boost for the party.

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Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, said Fintiri’s entry had strengthened the party’s prospects in the North-East.

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“Fintiri is a big political investment; with him, APC victory is sealed. We will work together to ensure that the president, governors, all National Assembly members and state Assembly members win on our party platform,” he said.

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The President added that the policies of the current administration would continue to attract public support and deliver democratic dividends.

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“Fintiri is too good to be in opposition. He has the characteristics of a ruling party—highly productive, a wonderful leader who believes in the comfort of his people. We are today proud to have him in our fold. Congratulations to our great party for capturing a big fish,” he said.

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“I want to make it very clear today that Governor Fintiri is the leader of the party in Adamawa State. I am the Vice President, but the governor of Borno State is the leader of the party. In any state where we have a governor, he is the leader, so nobody should think otherwise,” he added.

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Speaking at the occasion, the National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, said the governor’s move had weakened the opposition.

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He described Fintiri as “a compass of hope, democratic growth, youth development and an infrastructure giant” and called on party members in Adamawa to support him.

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He urged APC chieftains in the state to rally behind the governor to ensure victory in the 2027 general elections.

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After receiving the APC flag from the vice president, Fintiri said he had not defected but was aligning with the ruling party for development.

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“It is not defection; I am in alliance with the developmental policies of the President. We have seen what the President is doing for the economic development of the country, so we have to join hands with him to move Nigeria forward,” he said.

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The Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as well as governors from Yobe, Taraba, Kano, Jigawa, Gombe and Zamfara states, and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, were among those in attendance.

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The ceremony, which was scheduled for 10 a.m., started at 3:35 p.m. due to the late arrival of the Vice President.

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