Umaru Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State, has maintained that Nigeria’s presidency should remain in the South in 2027, stressing that the region deserves to complete eight years in line with the country’s established power-sharing arrangement.
Speaking on Tuesday during an appearance on Sunrise Daily, Fintiri acknowledged that zoning is not enshrined in the constitution but described it as crucial for fostering national unity and stability.
According to him, “A northerner has no business at the moment to contest for the office of president. It is the South’s turn. They should be allowed to complete their eight years if we are truly committed to the unity and leadership of this country.”
President Bola Tinubu, a southerner, is currently serving his first term in office.
Fintiri also addressed his relationship with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, noting that it remains cordial despite their political differences. He explained that although he recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, their personal relationship has not deteriorated.
“There is nothing wrong between us. We have simply taken different political paths. I am now in the APC, while they are in another party,” he said.
Atiku, who also hails from Adamawa State, is reportedly preparing to contest the presidency in 2027 under the platform of the African Democratic Congress.
Responding to criticism over the wave of defections to the ruling party and concerns that Nigeria may be edging toward a one-party system, Fintiri defended his decision to join the APC. He said the move was driven by the need to better position Adamawa State to benefit from federal support and opportunities.
According to the governor, political alignment is not merely about winning elections but about securing greater development and advantages for the people.
Fintiri, now in his second and final term as governor, insisted that his political realignment is focused on attracting more opportunities and accelerating development in Adamawa State.
