By Tom Garba, Yola
Adamawa State politics boiled over on Tuesday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) staged separate high-voltage events, hurling verbal salvos over the defection of PDP heavyweight Chief Joel Hammanzad Madaki (Nzo Muro Kako Bachama, Sarkin Hurumi Funange) to the APC.
At the APC’s mammoth reception held at Mahmoud Ribadu Square, thousands of Madaki’s supporters from Fufore and other local government areas thronged the venue to welcome him into the party.
APC North East Vice Chairman, Comrade (Barr) Mustapha Salihu PhD, hailed Madaki’s move as a massive boost that has “depleted the PDP” and signalled APC’s winning chances in Adamawa. He described Madaki as an “extraordinary supporter” with “occultic followers” built over years of political dominance.
Representing the APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, National Vice Chairman (North) Dr Ali Bukar Dalori declared Madaki’s arrival a step to “strengthen the party system not only in Adamawa but across the country,” extending an open-arms welcome ahead of a “victory in 2027.”
The event drew APC heavyweights, including former Deputy Governor Rt Hon Martins Babale, Senator Binta Masi Garba, Senator Bello Tukur, Amb Fati Balla, Hon (Barr) Aliyu Wakili Boya (House of Representatives member for Fufore/Song Federal Constituency), Mallam Hamisu Idris Medugu, Mallam Bello Hong, serving state party officials, aspirants, and former lawmakers – a clear show of supremacy.
In his speech, Madaki thanked APC leaders at national and state levels for the warm reception, explaining his defection after wide consultations with constituents.
”APC Elders in Abuja warmly received us and were highly appreciative after we briefed them about our mission. Upon our return, we briefed our constituents and they unanimously agreed that we should join the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he said.
Madaki cited “unprecedented development strides” under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the key pull factor, listing projects such as the Federal University of Agriculture in Mubi, the Jabbelamba-Belel road, approval for a Police College in Fufore LGA, and the NDLEA Barracks – described as one of the best in the African sub-region.
He also praised the appointment of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as National Security Adviser (NSA), saying it has “placed Adamawa State at the pinnacle of Nigerian politics and governance.”
”This is just the beginning. If we join hands with the Federal Government, we shall reap more dividends of democracy,” Madaki declared, attributing massive state development to increased federation account inflows approved by the President. “These and other reasons motivated me and my supporters to join the APC and make Nigeria and Adamawa great.”
In a sharp counter-event at the Adamawa Government House Banquet Hall, the PDP organised a solidarity reception for Fufore Local Government Area – Madaki’s home base – to project unity and strength.
State PDP Chairman Mallam Hamza Alhaji Madagali told journalists that party structures in Fufore remain “intact” with “none lost” due to Madaki’s exit. He boasted that all commissioners, LGA chairmen, and critical stakeholders were in attendance, insisting the PDP is “waxing stronger than before.”
Madagali dismissed rumours of a mass exodus from Fufore as “cheap propaganda” that ultimately benefits the PDP.
”We have our people intact and none follow any politician to another party. As far as Fufore is concerned, we are much stronger, bigger, and better,” he declared.
The rival rallies underscore deepening fault lines in Adamawa ahead of 2027, with both parties flexing muscle over a defector seen as a game-changer in the North East political chessboard.
