Hamza Bello Madagali, the immediate past chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State, has been elected as the new state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). His appointment marks a significant shift in the state’s political landscape, particularly following his defection to the APC alongside Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and other loyalists from the PDP just two months ago.
The transition was formalised during the APC state congress held at the Mahmud Ribadu Square in Yola on Saturday evening. The event, which followed a series of internal arrangements stemming from ward and local government congresses across the state, saw the swearing-in of new state executives. In a series of strategic readjustments, the immediate past APC secretary assumed the role of deputy chairman, while Mustapha Atiku Ribadu, the former state organising secretary, was appointed as the new secretary. Notably, Victor Dogo, the immediate past PDP publicity secretary, was named the new state publicity secretary, underscoring the fluidity of political allegiances in the region.
Madagali’s rise to prominence is particularly noteworthy, given that many observers had initially believed his political influence had waned after his defection. However, his re-emergence appears to have been orchestrated in part by Governor Fintiri, who had earlier facilitated the election of Idris Shuaibu, the immediate past APC state chairman, as the party’s National Vice Chairman for the North-East. This move is widely seen as having cleared the path for Madagali’s ascension.
In his inaugural address, Madagali pledged to ensure fair treatment for all APC members, regardless of their political backgrounds or status. Governor Fintiri, who also addressed the gathering, reaffirmed his commitment to leading the APC in Adamawa State and expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in the upcoming general elections. He emphasised his determination to work tirelessly to secure success for the APC at all levels of governance.
The congress and the subsequent appointments signal a period of consolidation and strategic repositioning for the APC in Adamawa State, as it seeks to strengthen its base ahead of future electoral contests. The inclusion of figures from the former ruling party, the PDP, into key roles within the APC underscores the dynamic and often fluid nature of political alliances in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.
