Chidinma Iroegbu
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has anchored his 2027 position on the principle of power rotation, declaring that national stability requires the presidency to remain in the South until 2031. He said zoning is essential to fairness, unity and political balance in Nigeria.
Speaking during a televised interview, Fintiri stated that no aspirant from the North should join the 2027 presidential race if the country is committed to equity. “It is still the turn of the South to complete. A northerner has no business at the moment to vie for the office of the President,” he said.
The governor, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), maintained that although the constitution permits anyone to contest, political morality demands adherence to zoning.
He added that if there is no consensus alternative, Nigerians should support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. According to him, “He has initiated good policies that are working, showing us light at the end of the tunnel.”
Fintiri dismissed suggestions of political tension between him and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is seeking the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). “There is no strained communication. Everybody has taken their political way,” he said.
Atiku, an Adamawa indigene and PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, is reportedly positioning for another bid in 2027. Fintiri stressed that political differences have not affected their personal relationship.
On the resignation of Atiku’s son, Adamu, from the Adamawa State Executive Council, the governor described the move as appropriate. “We excused him so he can align with his father. That is the normal thing to do,” he stated.
Adamu had served as Commissioner for Works and Energy Development before stepping down after declining to defect to the APC. Fintiri said the decision also involved “morality,” noting that political loyalty sometimes requires clear alignment.
Meanwhile, the governor has forwarded three nominees to the Adamawa State House of Assembly for confirmation as commissioners. They are Sali Idris (Maiha LGA), Muhammed Suleiman (Mubi North LGA) and Chubado Mohammed (Jada LGA).
Speaker of the Assembly, Bathiya Wesley, directed the Clerk to notify the nominees to appear for screening with their curriculum vitae on March 9, as the state government moves to fill vacant cabinet positions.