The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the defection of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing his decision as an act of cowardice and a setback to multi-party democracy.
Fintiri formally announced his resignation from the PDP and subsequent move to the ruling APC on Friday, weeks after speculation about his political future.
Reacting in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP National Working Committee led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) said although the governor had the legal right to defect, his action was inconsistent with political morality and democratic principles.
The party noted that the defection had been widely speculated but repeatedly denied by the governor, including after a recent presidential visit to Adamawa State.
According to the PDP, Fintiri’s decision to leave a platform that supported his political career through multiple election cycles over what it described as minor inconveniences reflected “unrestrained cowardice” rather than principled leadership.
“We are aware of the official announcement of the long-speculated defection of His Excellency, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, from our party to the All Progressives Congress, today via a broadcast in Adamawa State,” the statement read.
“While we acknowledge that this move is well within Fintiri’s legal rights, it is clearly against political principles and morality, a challenge to multi-party democracy and democratic consolidation.”
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The opposition party said it was bidding the governor farewell but reminded him that history and posterity would serve as impartial judges of human actions.
The PDP also called on its members in Adamawa State to remain calm and resolute despite the development.
“We urge our members in Adamawa to accept this sad reality with grace, knowing that the true test of a person is during times of inconvenience and contention,” the party said.
It added that its “rebirth movement” was on course and expressed optimism that the party would reposition itself for future electoral victories.