‘APC Faces Internal Test As Adamawa Politics Shift Ahead’

A public affairs analyst, Kola Ajibola, has said as Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle, Adamawa State is emerging as a key political battleground, with developments within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) expected to shape the outcome of future contests.

In a statement, Ajibola said the evolving dynamics in the state go beyond traditional inter-party rivalry, focusing instead on internal strategic decisions within the APC that could determine whether its recent gains translate into long-term dominance.

According to the statement, the political balance in Adamawa has shifted significantly following Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. He said the move has repositioned the ruling party, placing it in a dominant position while also introducing internal pressures that could influence its stability.

Ajibola noted that while the APC appears to have consolidated power, emerging opposition forces are quietly reorganising. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), he said, is attracting prominent political figures, including Aisha Dahiru Ahmed, Ishaku Abbo, and former governor Jibrilla Bindow, a development that could reshape the state’s electoral landscape if effectively mobilised.

He added that the unfolding contest in Adamawa may ultimately depend less on the strength of opposition parties and more on how the APC manages its internal processes, particularly in selecting candidates capable of commanding grassroots support and broad political acceptance.

He said, “Among those gaining attention within the party is APC chieftain Abdulrahman Bashir Haske, whose political engagements across Adamawa and the North-East have reportedly increased in recent months.’’

Ajibola cited Haske’s involvement during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Yola, where his mobilisation efforts were said to have stood out among party stakeholders. Similar visibility was observed during the APC North-East Zonal Congress in Gombe and at the party’s 8th National Convention in Abuja, where he was said to have engaged both grassroots delegates and national leaders.

Following the convention, the statement noted that consultations involving party elders, youth groups, and community leaders have intensified across the state, with insiders describing the engagements as part of ongoing coalition-building efforts ahead of formal campaigns.

The analyst also referenced the resignation of Ahmed Galadima Aminu as Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) to pursue the APC governorship ticket, describing it as a sign of increasing competition within the party.

While noting that such developments reflect internal democratic activity, Ajibola warned that they also carry the risk of factional divisions if not properly managed.

He further observed that public expectations in Adamawa are evolving, with many residents favouring continuity in governance style, particularly one that reflects grassroots engagement. Governor Fintiri’s reputation as a people-oriented leader, he said, has influenced these expectations.

According to the statement, this sentiment has contributed to growing interest in figures perceived to have strong grassroots connections, particularly among young voters and community groups. However, Ajibola cautioned that political popularity does not always translate into electoral success.

He emphasised that the APC faces a critical decision in the months ahead, warning that poor candidate selection could create opportunities for opposition coalitions to regain relevance in the state.

Conversely, he said a transparent and inclusive selection process that reflects the will of party members and the electorate could strengthen the party’s hold on power.

Ajibola concluded that the situation in Adamawa represents a broader test of political judgment for the APC, stressing that the party’s future in the state will depend on whether it prioritises popular legitimacy or internal power arrangements.

He added that the shifting political conversation in Adamawa increasingly reflects grassroots sentiments, noting that outcomes may ultimately be determined by public opinion rather than elite negotiations.