The chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State, Alhaji Hamza Madagali, has resigned along with the entire state working committee, executive members, and all 21 local government party chairmen to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The collective move, confirmed by Madagali at the party secretariat in Yola on Friday, follows the earlier defection of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to the ruling party.
This simultaneous high-level exit represents a major realignment in Adamawa’s political landscape, effectively dismantling the PDP’s state structure and significantly boosting the APC’s organizational strength in the northeastern state. In his remarks to party members, Madagali stated the decision was driven by the need for “collective alignment” with Governor Fintiri’s leadership direction to ensure “continuity, stability, and securing greater dividends of democracy for our people.”
He described the defection as the result of extensive consultations with stakeholders across the state, emphasizing that consolidating the achievements of the current administration required political unity. “Unity will keep us strong and relevant,” Madagali said, urging remaining supporters to prioritize the state’s progress above partisan interests. He assured that the transition would be peaceful and respects democratic principles, stressing that governance and service delivery must continue uninterrupted.
The defection of the full complement of local government chairmen is particularly significant, as it transfers the PDP’s grassroots apparatus directly to the APC. This development leaves the PDP in Adamawa without its recognized leadership or local government structure, a severe blow to its operational capacity ahead of future elections.
The mass departure underscores the fluidity of Nigeria’s political parties, where allegiance often shifts in response to perceived federal power or gubernatorial influence. For the APC, the consolidation in Adamawa—a state with significant population and landmass—strengthens its position in the North East region. For the PDP, it marks the loss of a key state chapter, further diminishing its influence in the zone.
The immediate next step involves the formal registration of the new members with the APC. Political observers note that this realignment may reshape calculations for the 2027 general elections, though Madagali emphasized the focus remains on “peace, stability, and the advancement of Adamawa,” irrespective of political affiliations.
