Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri, has insisted that the presidency should remain in the southern part of the country in 2027, saying the region deserved to complete eight years in line with Nigeria’s long-standing power-sharing understanding.
Speaking on on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, the governor said although zoning is not provided for in the constitution, it remained important for national unity.
“A northerner has no business at the moment to vie for the office of the president. It is the South’s turn; they should complete their eight years if we are really serious about this country and leadership,” he added.
President Bola Tinubu, who is from the South, is currently serving his first term.
Fintiri also spoke on his relationship with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, saying it remained cordial despite his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, political differences have not affected their personal ties.
“I still have. There is nothing that has gone bad. It is just that everybody has taken their political ways, and I am today in APC, they are in another party,” the governor said.
Atiku, who is also from Adamawa State, is seeking another shot at the presidency in 2027 and is now with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Fintiri, who recently joined the APC, also defended his decision amid growing criticism over the increasing number of defections to the ruling party and claims that Nigeria was drifting towards a one-party system.
The governor said his move was motivated by what he described as the need to better position Adamawa State to benefit from the federal government.
“The move was purely in the interest of the people and the state… because for long, it is not about winning elections but aligning and getting more for our people,” he said.
Fintiri, who is serving his second term in office, maintained that his political realignment was aimed at securing greater opportunities and development for the state.
Meanwhile, the Regional Collegiate Coordinator of the ObidientMovement, South-South, Onochie Osheokwu, has urged the ADC to zone its presidential ticket to the South.
Osheokwu made the call on Monday while fielding questions in an interview on Arise News.
According to him, Nigerians were aware of who would be the strongest candidate, adding that the former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from the Southeast, also represented the South
“We in the South-South want the ADC to zone it presidential ticket to the South. Among all the contenders, we in the Obidientmovement believe the best candidate is clear. The one who embodies the conscience of the movement and the leadership that Nigerians are seeking.
“What happened at Chief John Odigie-Oyegun was a consultation. Like every other person is saying. But it’s so bad that the politics of Nigeria has been reduced to propaganda and not the basic issue confronting the country,”it said.
Atiku’s Son Resigns from Fintiri’s Cabinet
Son of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Adamu Atiku Abubakar, has resigned his position as Adamawa State Commissioner for Works and Energy Development.
The development came following Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s defection from the PDP to the APC.
In a letter dated March 2, 2026, and addressed to Fintiri, Adamu Atiku said his resignation was with immediate effect.
“I write to formally tender my resignation from the office of Honourable Commissioner for Works and Energy Development, Adamawa State, effective from today, 2nd March, 2026,” he stated.
He said the decision followed deep personal reflection and careful consideration.
He described his time in office as a rare honour and privilege, noting that he had the opportunity to contribute to the infrastructural growth and development of the state.
He thanked Fintiri for the confidence and trust reposed in him throughout his tenure, saying the support he received enabled him to discharge his duties with dedication and commitment.
“I remain profoundly grateful for the confidence and trust Your Excellency reposed in me throughout my tenure. Your support provided the enabling environment to carry out the responsibilities of the office with dedication and commitment,” he stated.
He also expressed appreciation to the people of Adamawa State for their understanding, prayers and support during his service.
In yet another statement on X, he extended his gratitude to his parents.
“I express heartfelt gratitude to my parents, His Excellency, @atiku Abubakar and Hajiya Titi Atiku Abubakar, for their moral guidance, prayers, and blessings, which strengthened me throughout this journey of service,” he said.
He emphasised that his resignation did not mark the end of his dedication to public service.
“This decision does not mark the end of my commitment to public service. Rather, it signals the beginning of a new phase of broader developmental engagement and continued contribution to the unity, growth, and progress of Adamawa State.” he wrote.
Chuks Okocha
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