The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State has suffered a major setback following the defection of more than 5,000 members, including several prominent party figures, to the Allied People’s Movement (APM).
The defections occurred less than 24 hours after the inauguration of the APC’s campaign team led by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri. Among the notable defectors is Abduralman Haske, the APM governorship candidate and a former APC member.
Speaking at a gathering of defecting members on Friday, former Yola South Local Government Chairman Umar Barkindo said their decision to leave the APC was driven by a desire to provide Adamawa residents with leadership capable of delivering meaningful democratic dividends.
Barkindo, a former Permanent Secretary and influential political figure in Yola South, stated that longstanding and seemingly irreconcilable differences within the APC informed his decision to quit the party. He disclosed that he formally communicated his resignation in a letter dated October 26, 2026, to the APC chairman of Makama A Ward.
“I wish to officially notify you that I have withdrawn my membership registration from the All Progressives Congress with effect from the above date. My withdrawal is personal,” Barkindo stated.
His exit, alongside those of other party stalwarts, represents a significant political development in Adamawa as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The latest defections add to a growing list of political figures who have recently left the APC. Among them are former Deputy Governor Martins Babale, former Peoples Democratic Party chairman Shehu Tahir, APC senatorial aspirant Peter Fwa, House of Representatives aspirant Variti Nzonzo, and several others who cited a lack of justice and confidence in the party’s electoral prospects.
The movement of these politicians to the APM is expected to reshape political alignments in the state as opposition parties strengthen their structures ahead of the next election cycle.
Meanwhile, the APC Campaign Council has directed all newly inaugurated committees to submit detailed work plans by November 6, 2026. The Secretary to the State Government and Campaign Council Secretary, Awwal Tukur, said the plans should include timelines, budget estimates, mobilisation strategies, media engagement plans and stakeholder outreach initiatives.
He urged committee leaders to ensure prompt submission to facilitate review and implementation of campaign activities.
The APC has faced additional challenges in recent months, with reports of attacks on its campaign teams in Kurchiirga, Hong, Gombi and Toungo local government areas, incidents that forced the party to suspend some of its campaign activities.
Political observers say the wave of defections could have significant implications for the balance of power in Adamawa State as the race towards the 2027 elections gathers momentum.
