News Rendezvous

Yola, Adamawa State

A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its pioneer National Vice Chairman (North East), Umar Duhu, has described the anticipated return of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, to the APC as a “homecoming rooted in history, principle, and the will of the people,” rather than a conventional political defection. In a strongly worded statement titled “Setting the Record Straight: A Clarion Call for Unity, Continuity, and Responsible Politics in Adamawa State,” Duhu said the growing public debate surrounding Governor Fintiri’s possible return to the ruling party had made it necessary to provide historical clarity and political context.

According to him, Governor Fintiri was among the early architects of the APC project, particularly in the North East, and played a key role in building the party’s structures in Adamawa State at a time when it had limited political presence. “What is being discussed today is not an opportunistic defection, but a return to political roots,” Duhu said. “Governor Fintiri’s contributions to the formative stages of the APC remain indelible.”

Duhu explained that the divergence of political paths between both leaders in the past was neither ideological nor personal, but a consequence of evolving political circumstances, stressing that Fintiri’s emergence as governor under another platform did not amount to a rejection of his political origins.

He noted that the governor’s rise to office was the product of democratic choice and popular mandate, which, he said, transcends party labels. “The mandate entrusted to Governor Fintiri belongs fundamentally to the people of Adamawa State, not to any party insignia,” he stated.

Addressing concerns among APC stakeholders in the state, Duhu acknowledged that fears over party structure, relevance, and political equity were legitimate, but insisted that Fintiri’s anticipated return was not designed to displace existing party structures or undermine years of loyalty and sacrifice.Rather, he described the development as an opportunity to strengthen internal cohesion and expand the party’s political base ahead of future elections. “Accommodation in politics is not a sign of weakness; it is a mark of political maturity,” Duhu said, adding that APC stands to gain from combining its grassroots machinery with Fintiri’s governance experience and statewide appeal.He also reassured supporters who voted Governor Fintiri into office that the move should not be interpreted as a betrayal of trust, but as a strategic realignment aimed at positioning Adamawa State for sustained development, stronger federal collaboration, and long-term stability.

Duhu stressed that the philosophy and people-centred governance approach that earned the governor popular support would remain unchanged regardless of party affiliation.Calling for restraint and unity, he said Adamawa State faces developmental, economic, and social challenges that require inclusive leadership and broad political alliances.> “Political parties are vehicles, not destinations,” he said. “The true destination is the progress, stability, and prosperity of Adamawa State.”Duhu urged party members and stakeholders to rise above suspicion and narrow interests, and to embrace the moment with openness and foresight in the collective interest of the state.