Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has called for the presidency to remain in the southern region of Nigeria for the 2027 elections, asserting that the South deserves to complete eight years in line with the country’s informal power-sharing arrangement.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Fintiri acknowledged that zoning is not mandated by the Nigerian constitution but described it as essential for national unity.
“A northerner has no business at the moment to vie for the office of the president. It is the South’s turn; they should complete their eight years if we are really serious about this country and leadership,” the governor said.
President Bola Tinubu, from the South, is currently serving his first term.
Fintiri also addressed his relationship with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, emphasizing that their personal ties remain cordial despite political differences. Atiku, also from Adamawa State, recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to pursue the presidency under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of 2027.
“I still have a good relationship with him. Nothing has gone bad. It is just that everybody has taken their political ways. I am today in APC; they are in another party,” Fintiri explained.
The governor defended his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) amid growing criticism over the surge in political realignments to the ruling party. He described the move as strategic, aimed at securing federal support and greater development opportunities for Adamawa State.
“The move was purely in the interest of the people and the state… because for long, it is not about winning elections but aligning and getting more for our people,” Fintiri said.
Serving his second and final term, Fintiri maintained that his political realignment is intended to position Adamawa State favorably with the federal government and maximize benefits for its citizens.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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