APC Stakeholders in Adamawa’s Demsa, Numan, Lamurde LGAs Warn Against Factionalism Amid Mass Defections

By Emmanuel Kwada 

Concerned stakeholders and loyal members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Demsa, Numan, and Lamurde Local Government Areas have issued a strong call for unity, rejecting what they describe as attempts to introduce factional politics into the party following recent high-profile defections, including that of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

In a press conference held on March 7, 2026, titled “Our Party, Our Strength: A Call Against Factional Politics”, the group welcomed Governor Fintiri’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, describing it as a “significant political moment” that strengthens the party.

They praised his administration’s achievements in infrastructure, roads, education, healthcare, and security, stating that “good governance will always find a home among progressive people.”

The stakeholders also commended National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu for his efforts in stabilizing and growing the APC in Adamawa State, alongside other critical leaders who facilitated the seamless realignment of former PDP members.

However, the group expressed deep concern over the actions of one defector, Hon. Barr. Kwamoti Bitrus Laori, accusing him of bypassing official party structures during his defection engagements in the area.

They alleged that invitations to his meetings were selectively sent only to a few ward executive members many of whom previously opposed the APC while the duly recognized Local Government Executive Councils were excluded. Reports also surfaced of alleged promises to reinstate such individuals as new party executives.

“This exclusion of the legitimate party leadership structure is both disappointing and unacceptable,” the statement read. “A political party is built on structure, discipline, and respect not on personal arrangements or selective gatherings.”

The stakeholders contrasted this conduct with other defectors from the region, including Hon. Pwamwakaino Makondo, Chief Maurice, H.E. Mr. George Farauta, Hon. Bauna of Lamurde, and Hon. Kate Raymond Mamuno of Demsa, who engaged the official Local Government Executives respectfully and followed due process.

“We will not allow anyone, no matter how highly placed, to dismantle what loyal party members have built with sweat and sacrifice,” they declared.

They called on the APC’s national, zonal, and state leadership to caution Hon. Laori against actions that could create parallel structures or division.

Emphasizing that “there is only one party structure in Demsa, Numan, and Lamurde,” the group urged new entrants to join with humility, partnership, and respect for existing structures.

They stressed that politics should focus on collective progress and service, not personal dominance.

“Our Party is One. Our Structure is One. Our Future Must Be One,” the statement affirmed, warning that “a divided party cannot serve the people effectively” and invoking the proverb: “When brothers fight themselves, strangers inherit their land.”

The press conference concluded with reaffirmation of loyalty to the APC and commitment to unity in the three LGAs, while thanking the media for amplifying grassroots voices.

The development comes amid a wave of defections in Adamawa State, including Governor Fintiri’s February 27 announcement, which he described as a strategic alignment to support federal development initiatives and advance state progress.

His move, along with cabinet members and other PDP officials, has reshaped the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, positioning the APC as a dominant force.

Party leaders have emphasized integration with discipline and maturity to consolidate gains from these realignments. The stakeholders’ warning highlights emerging tensions over leadership and structure as the party absorbs new members.