No Permanent Friends, No Permanent Enemies: Abbo, Fintiri Share Cordial Moment at Yola Airport

By Emmanuel Kwada

In a striking display of the age-old political adage, “no permanent friends, no permanent enemies,” former Senator Elisha Abbo, a known critic of Adamawa State Governor Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, was seen exchanging pleasantries with the governor at Yola International Airport on Saturday, July 19, 2025, signaling a possible thaw in their frosty relationship.

The unexpected encounter, captured in images circulating on social media, showed the two political heavyweights engaging in what appeared to be a warm and cordial exchange, a stark contrast to their history of public spats.

This is politics. You can disagree sharply but still find common ground for the sake of the people

Abbo, who has previously accused Fintiri of undemocratic practices and mismanagement of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa, had been a vocal opponent of the governor’s administration, notably citing these issues as reasons for his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2020.

The sighting at the airport has sparked widespread speculation about a potential reconciliation or strategic alignment ahead of the 2027 elections. Political observers note that such interactions, while surprising, are not uncommon in Nigeria’s fluid political landscape, where alliances shift to serve mutual interests.

A source close to the governor’s camp, speaking anonymously, described the exchange as a “moment of mutual respect,” emphasizing that both leaders share a commitment to the progress of Adamawa State despite past differences. “This is politics. You can disagree sharply but still find common ground for the sake of the people,” the source said.

This is what Adamawa needs—leaders who can put differences aside for progress

Abbo’s history with Fintiri has been contentious. In 2019, he accused the governor of manipulating PDP primaries and described him as a “small man” with a big office.

More recently, in May 2025, Abbo alleged that Fintiri’s refusal to swear in Mrs. Peace Audu as Fofure Local Government Chairman was an attack on Christians, accusing the governor of sowing religious disharmony. However, Saturday’s encounter suggests a willingness to move past these grievances, at least publicly.

Supporters of both figures took to social media to express mixed reactions. Some hailed the interaction as a sign of maturity and unity, with one X user posting, “This is what Adamawa needs—leaders who can put differences aside for progress.” Others remained skeptical, questioning whether the exchange was a calculated move ahead of the 2027 polls.

Saturday’s encounter suggests a willingness to move past these grievances, at least publicly

The event comes amidst a charged political atmosphere in Adamawa, where the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is grappling with its own leadership crisis and coalition-building efforts led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. While neither Abbo nor Fintiri has publicly commented on the airport meeting, the image of their handshake has fueled discussions about the potential for new political alignments.

As Adamawa State continues to navigate its complex political terrain, this moment at Yola International Airport serves as a reminder that in politics, yesterday’s adversaries can become tomorrow’s allies. Whether this encounter marks a genuine reconciliation or a tactical truce remains to be seen, but for now, it underscores the dynamic and unpredictable nature of Nigerian politics.