Presidency Taunts Atiku Following Governor Fintiri's Defection to APC
The Presidency has openly ridiculed former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in response to the defection of Adamawa State Governor Umaru Fintiri from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This political shift, announced by Governor Fintiri in a broadcast on Friday, has been described by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga as a significant development that could severely impact Atiku's influence in his home state.
Onanuga's Mocking Remarks on Atiku's Political Future
In a post on X, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, stated that Fintiri's move deals a big blow to Atiku's political ambitions. Onanuga suggested that the defection effectively hands Atiku's entire home base in Adamawa to the APC, strengthening the party's dominance ahead of the next presidential contest. He taunted Atiku, implying that a politician who lacks popularity at home should reconsider his national aspirations.
Onanuga further mocked Atiku by saying, If a politician is not so popular at home, he has no business selling his candidacy to outsiders. The time is nigh for Atiku to consider retiring from politics and going to his second home in Dubai. He asserted that with the presidential election less than a year away, this development weakens Atiku's standing, as a leader who struggles to command influence locally cannot convincingly project national appeal.
Details of Fintiri's Defection and Political Implications
Governor Fintiri, in his announcement, claimed that his defection was in the developmental interest of the Adamawa people. Onanuga alleged that Fintiri did not defect alone; members of his cabinet, lawmakers, and other party officials in the state reportedly moved with him, consolidating the APC's position in Adamawa. This mass shift is seen as a strategic gain for the APC, potentially altering the political landscape in a key swing state with a large voter base.
Onanuga wrote, With the presidential election less than a year away, Fintiri's defection is surely a big blow to veteran presidential runner Atiku Abubakar. His ADC is largely unknown in the state. He certainly needs to reassess his ambition, as his governor has turned the APC into an Adamawa juggernaut.
Public Reactions to the Defection
Nigerians have reacted diversely to Governor Fintiri's move. Some commentators connected it to the 2027 elections, noting that while defections can shift alliances, voters may prioritize economic performance, insecurity, and governance over party flags. Others viewed it as creating a clearer path for President Tinubu's re-election, with one user stating there is no realistic path for him to lose in 2027.
Key reactions include:
- Omotayo highlighted that defections do not guarantee loyalty or votes, emphasizing that 2027 will be a referendum on performance.
- Fisayo Ademuwagun argued that this development strengthens Tinubu's chances, making his loss unlikely.
- Omashola Sagay welcomed Fintiri to the APC, predicting he could secure 40% to 45% of votes in Adamawa, with the remainder going to Atiku.
- Suleiman Tajudeen congratulated Fintiri, expressing confidence in APC's dominance.
This defection marks a major political realignment in Adamawa State, with the Presidency leveraging it to mock Atiku and bolster APC's prospects ahead of the upcoming elections.
