The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally reacted to the defection of the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as disappointing and contrary to political principles.

 

In a statement issued following the governor’s broadcast in Adamawa State, the PDP said it was aware of the “long-speculated defection” and noted that the development had previously been denied by Fintiri, including as recently as last week after a presidential visit to the state.

 

According to the party, the governor’s announcement has now confirmed what was previously rumoured, with Fintiri citing the “developmental interest” of Adamawa State as the reason for aligning with the ruling party.

 

While acknowledging that the governor’s decision falls within his constitutional rights, the PDP argued that the move raises concerns about political morality and democratic consolidation.

 

“For a person to abandon a platform that provided political coverage for him across many election cycles at the sight of slight discomfort is unambiguously an exhibition of unrestrained cowardice and not a mark of a principled politician,” the statement read.

 

The party maintained that such defections pose challenges to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, especially when elected officials switch allegiance after benefiting from the mandate secured under a different political platform.

 

As it bid Fintiri farewell, the PDP stated that “history and posterity are the ultimate, unbiased judges of human conduct,” adding that actions and decisions taken in public office would ultimately be subject to public and historical scrutiny.

 

The party also urged its members and supporters in Adamawa State to remain calm and steadfast despite what it described as a “sad reality.”

 

It encouraged them to stay committed to the party’s ideals, expressing optimism that what it termed a “rebirth movement” within the PDP would reposition the party for future political engagements.