APC Primary Reshapes Adamawa Politics As Fintiri’s Influence Faces Test Ahead Of 2027

APC Primary Reshapes Adamawa Politics as Fintiri’s Influence Faces Test Ahead of 2027 The outcome of the recent governorship primary of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress in Adamawa State has triggered a major political realignment, weakening the perceived influence of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri while strengthening rival power blocs ahead of the 2027 general elections. The primary election produced an unexpected result when Ahmed Tijjani Galadima, a former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, emerged as the APC governorship candidate. His victory was widely viewed as a triumph for supporters of Nuhu Ribadu, whose influence within the party has grown significantly since his appointment as National Security Adviser. Political observers say the result exposed the limits of Fintiri’s control within the APC despite his high-profile defection from the opposition PDP earlier this year. The governor was reportedly unable to secure the governorship ticket for his preferred political allies, raising questions about his ability to shape succession plans as he approaches the end of his tenure. According to reports, internal negotiations within the party led to a power-sharing arrangement that diluted the governor’s influence while preserving significant leverage for the Ribadu camp. The arrangement reportedly excluded control of the governorship ticket, a development that altered expectations among many party supporters. The contest also highlighted the continuing relevance of several heavyweight political figures in Adamawa. Besides Fintiri and Ribadu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed remain central players in the state’s evolving political landscape. Analysts believe their next moves could significantly influence the balance of power before the 2027 elections. Binani, who was the APC governorship candidate in 2023 and remains one of the state’s most influential politicians, has increasingly distanced herself from the ruling party. Her political activities outside the APC have fueled speculation that she could emerge as a formidable challenger in the next governorship race.

The primary itself was not without controversy. Some aspirants questioned the credibility of the process, citing concerns about collation procedures and transparency. Abdulrahman Haske publicly challenged aspects of the exercise, arguing that irregularities needed to be addressed to maintain confidence within the party. Despite the complaints, party officials declared Galadima the winner after he secured more than 414,000 votes in the direct primary election, comfortably ahead of his nearest rivals. Political analysts say the outcome has effectively reopened old rivalries and created new alliances in Adamawa. Supporters of both Fintiri and unsuccessful aspirants are reportedly reassessing their options, while opposition figures are positioning themselves to capitalize on any divisions within the APC. With less than a year before campaigns intensify, the contest for control of Adamawa’s political future is increasingly being shaped by the competing ambitions of Fintiri, Ribadu, Atiku, and Binani. Observers believe the governorship primary may ultimately be remembered as the event that redrew the state’s political map ahead of the 2027 elections.

• APC’s governorship primary produced a surprise outcome in Adamawa State.
• Ahmed Tijjani Galadima emerged as the party’s candidate.
• The result is widely seen as strengthening Nuhu Ribadu’s political camp.
• Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s influence within the APC appears diminished following the exercise.
• The outcome has reshaped alliances and intensified maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections.