The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified its campaign efforts ahead of a critical by-election in Adamawa State, Nigeria, aiming to secure a vacant legislative seat in Ganye constituency. The election, slated for August 16, 2025, follows the death of former lawmaker Abdulkadir Musa, a member of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), who passed away in 2023.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, leader of the PDP, formally launched the campaign for the party’s candidate, Mohammed Joda, in Ganye over the weekend. Addressing a rally, Fintiri urged voters to prioritize competence over divisive identity politics. “No society can develop when decisions are driven by religious or ethnic considerations,” he declared, emphasizing unity as a cornerstone of progress. The governor’s appeal reflects broader concerns over polarization in Nigeria’s electoral dynamics, where regional and religious affiliations often influence voting patterns.
PDP State Chairman Tahir Shehu echoed these sentiments, highlighting the party’s governance record in Adamawa as evidence of its commitment to public service. “Our actions in office speak louder than slogans,” he asserted, calling on Ganye residents to back Joda. The candidate, in turn, pledged to prioritize local needs if elected, stating, “My mission is to serve with integrity and ensure Ganye’s voice is heard.”
The PDP appears poised for a significant advantage, as the APC—the state’s main opposition party—grapples with internal divisions. Factional disputes within the APC’s Ganye chapter have left it without a consensus candidate, with sources describing tensions as “deep-rooted.” Analysts note that losing the seat would mark a symbolic and strategic blow to the APC, which previously held it through Musa, a deputy minority leader in the state assembly. Local media reports indicate no clear challenger to Joda had emerged as of Saturday afternoon.
The by-election outcome could reshape Adamawa’s political landscape, testing the PDP’s dominance and the APC’s ability to regroup. Observers stress that voter turnout and the resolution of intra-party conflicts may determine whether the APC retains relevance in a constituency once considered its stronghold.
