A Coward’s Exit’: PDP Faction Blasts Fintiri Over Defection

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the decision of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing his departure as a betrayal of political ideals and a setback to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the Tanimu Turaki (SAN)-led PDP National Working Committee said the governor’s action would ultimately be judged by history and posterity, which it described as impartial arbiters of human conduct.

After weeks of speculation, Fintiri formally announced his exit from the PDP and his alignment with the ruling APC, citing what he called the developmental interests of Adamawa State.

Reacting, the Peoples Democratic Party said although the governor has a constitutional right to switch parties, his decision raises serious moral and political questions. The party argued that leaving a platform that supported him through several election cycles over what it termed minor political discomfort reflects a lack of principle.

“We are aware of the official announcement of the long-speculated defection of His Excellency, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, from our party to the All Progressives Congress,” the statement read, noting that the governor had previously dismissed rumours of defection, including after a recent presidential visit to Adamawa.

The PDP maintained that while the move may be lawful, it undermines democratic consolidation and the spirit of healthy political competition.

“For a person to abandon a platform that provided political coverage for him across many election cycles at the sight of slight discomfort is unambiguously an exhibition of unrestrained cowardice, and not a mark of a principled politician,” the party stated.

As it bid the governor farewell, the party emphasised that history would ultimately evaluate his actions.

The PDP also appealed to its members in Adamawa State to remain calm and steadfast despite the development.

“We urge our members in Adamawa to accept this reality with grace, understanding that true character is revealed in moments of challenge and contention,” the statement added.

The party expressed confidence that its ongoing internal reforms and “rebirth movement” would reposition it for future electoral success.