A political crisis is brewing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, as Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu battle for control of the party structure ahead of the 2027 elections.
The rift, which began after Fintiri’s recent defection to the APC, has escalated into a fierce struggle for dominance, with both camps seeking to control party leadership, influence delegate selection, and secure future electoral tickets.
Fintiri, backed by a strong grassroots network and the advantage of incumbency, is reportedly working to consolidate power within the party. However, Ribadu, a long-standing APC figure with deep federal ties, is resisting what his supporters describe as an attempt by new entrants to take over the party.
The power tussle has led to the emergence of parallel factions, each mobilising loyalists and preparing for a decisive showdown during upcoming party congresses.
Tensions intensified following the APC North-East Zonal Congress held in Gombe, where Barrister Shuaibu Idris, believed to be aligned with Ribadu, emerged as zonal chairman. The outcome was seen as a major setback for Fintiri’s camp, whose preferred candidate, Jarengol, lost the contest.
Allies of the governor have described the congress as manipulated and exclusionary, warning that the development signals a broader plan to sideline Fintiri within the party’s regional structure.
Party members have also drawn comparisons to the controversial 2015 primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party, cautioning that a repeat of imposition and lack of internal democracy could destabilise the APC.
With both camps hardening their positions, there are growing concerns that the crisis could lead to defections, internal sabotage, and a possible split within the party if reconciliation efforts fail.
