‎VP Shettima Woos Ex-Adamawa Gov Bindow to APC, Vows to Bridge the Differences

By Emmanuel Kwada

‎Vice President Kashim Shettima has intensified efforts to strengthen the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State by reaching out to former Governor Mohammed Umaru Jibrilla Bindow, promising to resolve existing differences and facilitate his return to the ruling party.

‎Shettima made the disclosure on Monday during a grand reception held at the Mahmud Ribadu Square in Yola, where he formally received Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and his supporters into the APC following the governor’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

‎The event drew a massive crowd of party faithful, stakeholders, and ordinary citizens eager to witness what many described as a significant political realignment in the North-East state.

‎Addressing the gathering as Special Guest of Honour, the Vice President declared Governor Fintiri as the undisputed leader of the APC in Adamawa State, in line with the party’s constitution and established practice. He described Fintiri’s move as a boost to the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections and a demonstration of confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

‎While celebrating the influx of new members, Shettima turned his attention to another prominent political figure from the state. “I am working assiduously with Governor Fintiri to bring back former Governor Jibrilla Bindow to the APC,” he stated emphatically.

‎Bindow, who governed Adamawa between 2015 and 2019 under the APC platform before later aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has remained a influential voice in the state’s politics.

‎Shettima’s comment signals a deliberate push to reconcile past differences and reunite key stakeholders under the APC umbrella.

‎The Vice President emphasized the importance of unity and inclusiveness, noting that the APC remains open to genuine partners who share the vision of building a more functional and prosperous Nigeria.

‎He assured that the party would continue to expand its base by bridging gaps and addressing grievances that may have led capable leaders to explore other platforms in the past.

‎By pairing the formal endorsement of Fintiri as party leader with an active reconciliation effort targeting Bindow, the Vice President is sending a clear message of openness and pragmatism within the ruling party.

‎Governor Fintiri, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the Vice President and party leadership for the warm reception. He pledged to work harmoniously with all stakeholders to deliver good governance and attract more development to the state.

‎The development comes at a time when the APC is intensifying its grassroots mobilization across the North-East zone. Shettima’s personal involvement underscores the seriousness the presidency attaches to stabilizing and strengthening the party in Adamawa, where internal harmony could prove decisive in future elections.

‎As the political atmosphere in the state continues to evolve, many residents are watching closely to see whether the Vice President’s vow to bridge differences will translate into the actual return of Senator Bindow and his supporters to the APC fold.

‎For now, the message from Yola is one of reconciliation, expansion, and renewed focus on collective progress under the banner of the All Progressives Congress.