Sule courts Fintiri for APC; Saraki says Adamawa gov stays PDP

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State on Monday openly courted his Adamawa State counterpart, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), but former Senate President Bukola Saraki quickly dismissed the overture, insisting that Fintiri would remain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The political exchanges took place in Yola during the public […]

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State on Monday openly courted his Adamawa State counterpart, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), but former Senate President Bukola Saraki quickly dismissed the overture, insisting that Fintiri would remain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The political exchanges took place in Yola during the public presentation of a book titled “Fintiri: The Man They Couldn’t Stop”, authored by Solomon Kumarga.

Speaking as chairman of the occasion, Sule praised Fintiri’s leadership style and performance in office, describing him as a governor with “APC DNA” and aligning his achievements with the ruling party’s progressive ideology.

“My brother, you are working like a true progressive governor, and I dare say you have the APC in your DNA. We are on the same page with you,” Sule said, drawing applause from the audience.

He attributed improved revenue allocations to states and local governments to the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu, urging governors to acknowledge the impact of the administration’s policies.

“We must say a big thank you to President Bola Tinubu for the wonderful reforms he has carried out, which have put more money in our hands.”

Sule, who is serving his second term as governor, said his visit to Yola was part of a broader political outreach, referencing recent visits by APC leaders to Delta, Rivers, Enugu, Plateau, Taraba and Kano states.

“I think your excellency has seen us going to Delta, Rivers, Enugu, Plateau and Taraba, and just two days ago, we were in Kano. Who knows, this might be an exhibition that I am going to make another big catch,” he said.

In a symbolic gesture, Sule said he came with an APC cap, suggesting he could place it on Fintiri if the governor was “thinking in that direction,” adding that he would have brought two caps had he known Saraki would be present.

Striking a more reflective tone, Sule said he understood the burden of leadership and praised Fintiri’s resilience in office.

“As a sitting governor in my second tenure, I understand the weight of leadership, the loneliness of decision-making and the courage it takes to govern with conviction under pressure,” he said. “Leadership is not popularity at all costs; it is about clarity of purpose, consistency in service, patience and the fear of God.”

Responding, Saraki, who was also in attendance, dismissed the recruitment attempt, saying the APC delegation would return home with the caps they brought.

“I would not want to respond to the chairman of the occasion, but at the same time, I will not keep quiet,” Saraki said. “The chairman said he came with some caps. I am sure you will be going back home with those caps.”

Saraki argued that the APC’s interest in PDP governors was itself an acknowledgment of their performance in office.

“Our governors, the party cannot be greedy for performance. If we are not performing, you will not try to recruit us,” he said. “The fact that you are trying to recruit them means they are performing.”

He urged Fintiri to remain focused on governance and service delivery, noting that the Adamawa governor still had 16 months left in his tenure.

The event attracted political leaders, lawmakers, traditional rulers and supporters from across Adamawa State, underscoring Fintiri’s growing profile amid ongoing realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.