Adamawa APC Chieftains, Thousands of Supporters Defect to APM

The Adamawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suffered another wave of defections, with former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa, and thousands of supporters leaving the party for the Action Peoples Movement (APM).

Mijinyawa, who represents Yola South State Constituency in the Assembly, announced his departure in a letter dated September 13, 2026, addressed to the APC state chairman.

He attributed his decision to what he described as a lack of transparency, respect for the rule of law and internal democracy in the party, particularly during its recent primary elections.

The former Speaker alleged that candidates were selected without following due process, a development he said undermined confidence in the party's internal electoral arrangements.

His defection came two days after hundreds of APC chieftains, led by Alhaji Tahir Shehu, also joined the APM.

Shehu had earlier called on the APC leadership to reconcile aggrieved members and address grievances arising from the party's internal processes, warning that unresolved divisions could affect its unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said members wanted recognition and reassurance that they remained valued within the party.

The defections followed disagreements over the APC's governorship and senatorial primaries in Adamawa State.

Alhaji Abdulrahman Haske, who had contested the APC governorship ticket, subsequently joined the APM and emerged as its candidate for the 2027 election.

In the Adamawa Central Senatorial District, Abdulrahman Abbati, who was reportedly contesting unopposed, was replaced by Alhaji Salihu Mustapha. Similarly, in Adamawa South, Mr Peter Fwa, also reportedly unopposed, was replaced by Mr Felix Tangwami. Fwa and thousands of his supporters later joined the Labour Party.

Reacting to the defections, the APC Publicity Secretary in Adamawa State, Mr Dogo Victor, dismissed the development as political tourism.

He questioned the political influence of some of the defectors, citing their previous electoral performances, and maintained that the APC retained a strong grassroots presence in the state.

Victor expressed confidence in the party's prospects ahead of the 2027 elections, attributing its position to the performance of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.

The successive departures have added to tensions within the Adamawa APC as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.