…dismisses denial as political spin
In a swift rebuttal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) Adamawa State Chapter’s press release labeling TGNews’ recent breaking report as “fake news,” a detailed examination of the APC State Chairman Barr. Idris Shuaibu’s own recorded interview reveals clear affirmations of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s anticipated switch from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
TGNews stands firmly by its original story, dismissing the APC’s denial as an attempt to downplay the chairman’s optimistic and explicit statements amid growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.
The controversy erupted following TGNews’ February 3, 2026, exclusive report headlined: “BREAKING: Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri Set to Dump PDP for APC – State Chairman Confirms Imminent Switch.”
The article, based on direct insights from Barr. Shuaibu’s remarks at the APC State Secretariat, highlighted the party’s active efforts to woo the governor and his “imminent” defection.
In response, the APC’s Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Abdullahi, issued a press release on the same day, accusing TGNews publisher Mr. Tom Garba of fabricating the story for “cheap publicity” and demanding an audio clip as evidence or a retraction with an apology.
However, a verbatim transcript of the chairman’s interview—widely circulating on social media and verified by TGNews—directly contradicts the APC’s claims.
Far from being a product of “imagination,” the report draws on Barr. Shuaibu’s unscripted responses, where he not only expresses strong optimism but also timelines the governor’s potential joining as “as soon as practicable.”
This phrase, delivered in the context of ongoing recruitment efforts, underscores the imminence of the switch, aligning precisely with TGNews’ characterization.
Key Excerpts from the Chairman’s Interview Undermine APC Denial
During the interview, conducted at the APC Secretariat amid discussions on national politics and the party’s expansion strategy, Barr. Shuaibu was pressed on rumors of Gov. Fintiri’s defection. His responses were candid and revealing:
– On the prospects of capturing the entire country by 2027: The chairman praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s achievements in financial autonomy, livestock development, student loans, and security, crediting National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu a key APC figure in Adamawa for combating insecurities.
He asserted that these successes would make it “easier than before” for the APC to dominate nationally, setting the stage for local gains like Fintiri’s defection.
– Directly addressing the governor’s switch: Journalists asked, “There are rumors meddling around for a very long time for the governor of Adamawa who is on the platform of PDP. When are you expecting him in APC?”
Barr. Shuaibu replied, “Actually, we are hoping, we are very, very, very optimistic to have the governor of Adamawa state in APC. We are doing all what we can do.”
He emphasized that the APC is not engaging in “blind opposition,” acknowledging Fintiri’s strong performance in security and development, and argued that the governor would be “better off with APC than PDP because there is no PDP.”
– On the timeline: In a pivotal moment, the interviewer probed further: “When is he joining?”
The chairman’s response was unequivocal: “As soon as practicable.”
He elaborated that the APC is an “open party” with no barriers to entry, offering equal rights and opportunities to newcomers, including the right to contest elections.
“We are welcoming them. Let them come and join APC. They will have equal opportunity, equal right with the people that joined this party since the formation stage in 14 November 2013. Therefore, he is much welcome and we need people with experience like him to join us in APC.”
These statements form the backbone of TGNews’ report, portraying the defection not as mere speculation but as an actively pursued and near-term possibility confirmed by the party’s top official in the state.
The APC’s press release claims the chairman “never said this in his comments,” yet the transcript available proves otherwise.
TGNews challenges the APC to explain how such direct quotes could be dismissed as fabrication, especially when multiple media outlets were present and the audio is publicly accessible.
Political Context: A Broader Strategy Amid PDP’s Woes
The interview also touched on a recent defector, described as a “young chap” and president of the Angola community, who joined with gubernatorial ambitions.
Barr. Shuaibu saluted his courage and reiterated the party’s open-door policy: “APC, as it presently constituted, we did not adopt any candidate or endorse any candidate for the governorship. Anybody… can contest under the platform of APC.”
When asked about leadership dynamics post-Fintiri’s potential arrival—”With the coming of the Gov Fintiri into APC, what will be the chances of, or let me say, who will be the leader of the party?”—the chairman deferred: “When we reach the bridge we’ll know how to cross it.”
This exchange highlights the APC’s strategic positioning in Adamawa, where Gov. Fintiri’s administration has earned praise for infrastructure and security gains, even from opposition figures.
TGNews’ Commitment to Journalistic Integrity
In response to the APC’s demand for an audio clip, TGNews invite the public and media colleagues to review the embedded footage independently.
Mr. Tom Garba, who was not physically present but relied on verified recordings and correspondent reports, maintains that the story is neither opinion nor fabrication but factual journalism grounded in the chairman’s words.
“We urge the APC to focus on substantive issues rather than attempting to intimidate independent media,” Garba stated. “Professional reporting demands accountability, and we stand ready to defend our work in any forum. No retraction or apology is warranted, as the evidence speaks for itself.”
Members of the correspondence chapel and other outlets are encouraged to cross-verify the transcript against the audio.
TGNews remains committed to balanced, accurate coverage, avoiding sensationalism while highlighting truths that matter to Adamawa’s residents.
