Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has distanced himself from the move by a faction of Nigeria’s opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reportedly led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, to expel Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, from the party.
In a statement released on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Governor Fintiri made it clear that he does not support the push to remove the two senior political figures from the PDP, which is one of Nigeria’s major political parties and the country’s former ruling party.
“I, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State, wish to categorically state that I dissociate myself from the position of expelling the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, @GovWike, from @OfficialPDPNig (PDP),” he said.
He stressed that taking such action was not in the party’s interest. According to him, “I believe that this decision is not in the best interest of the party, and I will not be party to any attempt that could further plunge the PDP into unending crisis.”
Governor Fintiri emphasised his long-standing loyalty to the PDP and reiterated that he supports unity efforts rather than actions that may escalate internal conflict within the organisation.
“As a faithful party member, my position is clear: I stand for the peace and stability of the PDP, and I will not support anything that could lead to its disintegration,” he stated.
He further urged party leaders across Nigeria to embrace reconciliation rather than division, noting that only collective efforts can protect the PDP from prolonged instability.
“I believe that peace and reconciliation are the only ways forward for our great party,” he said. “I urge all stakeholders to work towards healing the divisions within the party and to strive for unity and cohesion.”
The governor concluded by reaffirming his commitment to contributing to all peace-building measures within the PDP. “Let me reiterate that my position is guided by the desire for peace and reconciliation, and I will continue to work towards achieving this goal,” he added.
The internal wrangling within the PDP has intensified in recent months, drawing national attention as influential members take differing positions on how to reposition the 25-year-old party ahead of future elections.