From Tom Garba,Yola
Dr. Salihu Bakari Girei, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart and gubernatorial aspirant for the 2027 elections in Adamawa State, has expressed strong confidence in the party’s growing dominance and unity following the recent high-profile return of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to the APC.
In an exclusive interview with journalists, Dr. Girei often referred to in political circles as a foundational figure of the APC in Adamawa highlighted his longstanding role in the party’s formation and consolidation.
He recounted his pivotal involvement in the events leading to the APC’s creation in 2013-2014, including advising then-Governor Murtala Nyako (of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP) to exit the PDP amid security challenges from Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East and perceived plots to undermine the governor.
Dr. Girei described coordinating efforts to merge legacy parties such as the ANPP, CPC, and ACN, and later facilitating the defection of several PDP governors to form the New PDP (nPDP), which merged into the APC.
As Commissioner for Local Government at the time, he worked to firmly root the APC in Adamawa’s 21 local government areas, ensuring electoral successes from 2015 onward.
Dr. Girei emphasized his consistent, active support for the APC at local, state, and national levels, including intellectual, financial, and moral contributions—even after the party’s 2019 governorship loss in the state.
He asserted that Adamawa remains inherently an APC stronghold, with the party now effectively the dominant force.
Addressing concerns about internal power dynamics and the influx of former opponents into leadership roles, Dr. Girei downplayed divisions, noting that many who left the APC during crises have returned.
He framed such shifts as normal in human and political relationships, where resolved disagreements often strengthen bonds. He attributed the 2019 loss primarily to mismanagement of internal crises by the then-governor, rather than inherent weakness in the party.
On Governor Fintiri’s defection—announced in a statewide broadcast on Friday, February 27, 2026, accompanied by his cabinet, lawmakers, and PDP officials—Dr. Girei described it not as a defection but a “return” to the APC.
He revealed that Fintiri had been part of early APC formation efforts before certain factors led him elsewhere. Dr. Girei hailed the move as timely and excellent, citing Fintiri’s credible performance as governor, widespread acceptance across party lines, and alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
He viewed it as a vote of confidence in the APC’s leadership, particularly National Security Adviser (NSA) Malam Nuhu Ribadu, whom he praised as the party’s key leader in Adamawa for investing heavily in its growth and security efforts nationwide.
Dr. Girei dismissed fears of power wrangling or takeover, stating that no APC chieftain in Adamawa has complained about Fintiri’s return.
He credited Ribadu’s peaceful leadership and integrity, noting that Fintiri’s decision vindicates the NSA’s stewardship and reflects the APC’s appeal.
With over 400,000 registered members already (surpassing typical winning margins of 300,000–350,000 votes), he welcomed the addition as “the more the merrier,” strengthening the party for national and sub-national victories.
Responding to criticisms that the APC is pushing Nigeria toward a one-party state through defections, Dr. Girei rejected the notion, pointing to President Tinubu’s historical defense of multi-party democracy (including sustaining opposition platforms in Lagos as governor).
He argued that defections reflect free choice in democracy, not coercion, and that economic improvements under Tinubu; such as stabilizing the economy, affordable food, and normalcy naturally attract supporters. He contrasted this with the PDP’s past dominance without similar complaints.
Assessing Fintiri’s performance, Dr. Girei acknowledged the governor’s creditable achievements in infrastructure, peace, and inclusivity despite challenges, but stressed more remains to be done.
As an aspirant, he outlined his vision for accelerated development, broader unity, and equitable participation if he emerges as APC candidate and wins in 2027.
On the recent Electoral Act amendments (including provisions for real-time electronic result transmission with allowances for glitches), Dr. Girei supported the National Assembly’s realistic approach, arguing laws must be implementable given human and technical realities.
Dr. Girei concluded with a call for APC unity, assuring that old and new members are equal, with no fears of exclusion. He portrayed Fintiri’s return as a blessing and endorsement of the party’s direction under Ribadu and Tinubu, positioning the APC for robust cohesion ahead of 2027.
