APC Will Win Adamawa In 2027 Because Of Fintiri – Party’s Spokesman

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s political realignment is stirring debate in Adamawa ahead of the 2027 elections. In this interview with HUSSAINI  HAMMANGABDO, Dr Dogo Victor, Principal Special Assistant on Social Mobilisation and APC Publicity Secretary in the state, shares insights on the shift and its implications.

Who is Dr. Dogo Victor, and what responsibilities do you currently hold?

I am a  Principal Special Assistant (PSA) to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri on Social Mobilisation. I am also a former Publicity Secretary of the PDP and now the new Publicity Secretary of the APC in Adamawa State.

How do you view Governor Fintiri’s journey to the APC?

You need to trace the reality that has existed between Governor Fintiri and the APC. People naturally go where they are most celebrated. Governor Fintiri, even without being in the APC, received three outstanding awards from two presidents produced by the party. His remarkable performance earned him those accolades from outside the state, particularly from the APC family. Naturally, when the moment came, as it now has, he gravitated to where he is greatly celebrated.

And if you trace the history of the APC further back, you will find that Governor Fintiri was among the founding fathers. He was part of the caucus that formed the APC.

This was before circumstances changed, and he had to move. You know how it is, you start something, and you do not know how it will eventually turn out.

So, Governor Fintiri’s move to the APC is a return home, a move back to progressive-minded people like himself.

Governor Fintiri is naturally a progressive. He is a man who believes that you should not leave a situation the way you met it; it must improve.

When we first came into office, the Department of Social Mobilisation had never existed in the history of Adamawa State.

Governor Fintiri initiated that office as a non-political platform, without affiliation to any political party, making it a neutral ground, and I was put in charge of it.

There are different areas where people can be credited. For example, much credit in national politics goes to the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu.

However, in terms of local politics, you need an ally, a grassroots leader, and that is what the APC has always needed: a man who knows how to win in Adamawa, a man who knows how to bring people together regardless of where they come from.

Beyond his performance and the national recognition he received from the APC-led presidency, what other factors predisposed Governor Fintiri to join the APC?

There had been persistent calls for him to join. He was like the bride everyone wanted. The calls came from different quarters, although not everything is brought to public attention. At some point, he had to make a decision, and he did so based on what he considers a national project.

He believes in Nigeria’s unity and progress. For instance, he believes that when it is the South’s turn to produce the presidency, it should be respected, and when it is the North’s turn, it should also be honoured.

He also believes that if you do not support the South now, you cannot expect support from the South when it is the North’s turn.

They would argue that their opportunity had been undermined.

Internal crises have often prevented the APC from winning the Adamawa State governorship election. Do you see Governor Fintiri’s entry strengthening the party or further complicating existing divisions?

People will always submit to order. Governor Fintiri understands how to guide people to do what is right for the greater good. Individuals may express their opinions freely, but when they engage with him directly, he has a way of making them see reason.

There is often talk about “Abuja politicians” who bring their influence from the centre into Adamawa politics, creating internal struggles that weaken the party during elections.

What difference do you expect as 2027 approaches?

You have heard my name over the years as I analyse Adamawa politics. History shows that so-called Abuja-backed politicians have never truly won elections in Adamawa.

They may gather strong connections at the centre, but such influence rarely translates into electoral success at the grassroots level.

In many cases, those “connected” aspirants or candidates cannot even secure victories in their own wards. Politics here is about being rooted in the grassroots and staying in tune with the people.

There are certain personalities who appeal to the diverse population of the state

seasoned politicians who understand the people’s tolerance levels.

Politics in Adamawa is not about religion or tribe. Certainly, you cannot come from Abuja and impose leadership on the people. We, as a people, have always resisted that, and we have consistently proven too resilient for such attempts.

With the current political developments, what gives you confidence about the APC’s chances in 2027, especially with the possibility of opposition alliances?

At the moment, I do not see any opposition strong enough in Adamawa State.

Not even the ADC, with Atiku Abubakar playing a leading role?

I have great respect for His Excellency, the former Vice President. I regard him as a father. However, leadership requires the ability to remain within a team and coordinate effectively. If a man cannot stay within a team structure, one may begin to question his ability to lead at a higher level.

This is where President Bola Tinubu stands out. Some people are talking about a one-party system, but I do not agree. What we are seeing is the influence of a leader who understands how to organise people and bring them together into a common front.

Are you optimistic that the APC can win Adamawa State in 2027?

The APC will win, largely because of Governor Fintiri. He knows how to bring people together. He can relate to the various groups that make up Adamawa State.

For example, the Kabila, as we call them, are among the largest groups in the state. The Kabila consist of both Muslims and Christians, and they often play a decisive role in determining electoral outcomes.

However, they typically require the support or alignment of the Fulani. Neither group alone can produce a governor in Adamawa State.

That is where Governor Fintiri comes in. He enjoys considerable support among the Fulani, though not all, as no politician can win everyone, and he also commands respect among the Kabila, again, not all, but a significant majority.

He will continue to win based on the goodwill he has built across the state over time.