Political Drama Unfolds as Saraki Rebuffs APC Governor's Recruitment Pitch
In a display of political wit and satire, former Senate President Bukola Saraki has humorously dismissed attempts by Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to recruit his counterpart from Adamawa State, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), into the APC fold. The exchange occurred during a high-profile project commissioning event in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, on Monday, February 2, 2026, where both political heavyweights were invited as guests of honor by Governor Fintiri.
Governor Sule's Bold Recruitment Attempt
During his address at the event, Governor Abdullahi Sule made a direct and public pitch to woo Governor Ahmadu Fintiri away from the PDP. The Nasarawa governor described Fintiri as a progressive governor and asserted that the APC was in his DNA. He referenced previous instances where governors from other states had defected from the PDP to join the ruling party, specifically mentioning Delta, Rivers, Enugu, Plateau, Taraba, and Kano.
In a symbolic gesture, Governor Sule revealed that he had come prepared with Tinubu's caps, should Governor Fintiri consider making a similar political move. His statement was clear and provocative: My brother, you're a progressive governor, and you have the APC in your DNA. We're on the same page with you. Your Excellency, you have seen us going to Delta, Rivers, Enugu, Plateau, Taraba, and Kano. I have come with a cap (Tinubu’s cap) in case you're thinking of something similar.
Saraki's Satirical Response and Defense of PDP
Reacting to Governor Sule's recruitment pitch, Bukola Saraki, who served as the chairman of the occasion, delivered a sharp and witty rebuttal. In his address, Saraki highlighted the performance of Governor Fintiri and his deputy under the PDP banner, suggesting that their success was precisely why the APC was attempting to recruit them.
Saraki confidently stated that the PDP governors were not planning to defect and humorously predicted that Governor Sule would be returning home with the caps he brought. His response was both a defense of the PDP and a subtle jab at the APC's recruitment tactics: Chairman of the occasion (Governor Sule), who came with some caps (Tinubu's caps), I'm sure you'll be going back home with those caps. Our governor and his party are performing, and that's why you're trying to recruit us.
Social Media Reactions and Loyalty Debates
The exchange between Saraki and Governor Sule quickly ignited a flurry of reactions on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where Nigerians weighed in with diverse opinions and allegations. The incident has sparked debates about political loyalty and the fluid nature of party affiliations in Nigeria's dynamic political landscape.
- Abou Ahyan Opeyemi tweeted skeptically: Saraki will ask his boys to go and collect one for him behind the scenes.
- Chief of Staff expressed distrust: Y'all shouldn't believe BS, he's a member of APC in Abuja, but when he's in his ward at Ilorin he claims to be PDP.
- Jacob of Israel, PhD suggested Governor Fintiri might have already accepted the offer: Just dey play…someone who’s collected his cap already.
- Ọlánrèwájú Ìdòwú made a pointed allegation: Saraki is APC at night, while PDP in the day.
These reactions underscore the ongoing speculation and scrutiny surrounding the political maneuvers of key figures like Saraki, with many questioning his true party allegiance and the sincerity of his public statements.
Broader Political Context and Implications
This incident occurs against the backdrop of heightened political activities as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. Recruitment and defection attempts between major parties like the APC and PDP are becoming increasingly common, reflecting the intense competition for influence and control at both state and federal levels.
Governor Fintiri's position in Adamawa, a politically significant state, makes him a valuable target for the APC. Meanwhile, Saraki's role as a prominent PDP figure and his history of political cross-carpeting add layers of complexity to the narrative, fueling public curiosity and debate.
The event in Yola not only showcased the performative aspects of Nigerian politics but also highlighted the underlying tensions and strategies as parties jostle for dominance. It serves as a reminder of the ever-shifting alliances and the theatrical nature of political engagements in the country.
As Nigerians continue to react and analyze this exchange, it remains to be seen how it will impact the political trajectories of those involved and the broader dynamics between the APC and PDP in the lead-up to future elections.
