The Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Bathiya Wesley, alongside 13 lawmakers, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a move widely seen as a precursor to the anticipated defection of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sources within the state assembly said the lawmakers’ resignation is aimed at easing the governor’s possible transition to the ruling APC, following months of political signals suggesting a shift in allegiance.
Grassroots Parrot reports that Governor Fintiri reportedly fell out with some PDP governors during the party’s last congress held in Ibadan, Oyo State, fueling speculation about his next political move.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Adamawa to commission projects, during which he reportedly held political discussions with the governor, further intensified the rumours.
The Speaker formally announced the resignations during plenary. Among those who stepped down from the PDP are Deputy Speaker Mohammed Buba Jidjiwa, Kefas Calvin, Bulus Geoffrey, Haruna Jilantikiri, Kefas Emmanuel, Ahmed Jingi Belel, Moses Yerima Zah, Kate Raymond Mamuno, Pwamwakeno Mackondo, Adun John Alaba, Bulus Kantom, Musa Mahmud Kallamu, and Japhet Hammanjabu.
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The lawmaker representing Lamurde constituency, Bauna Myandiasa, was absent during the session.
Speaking with journalists, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Mahmud Kallamu, said the lawmakers are currently consulting with their constituents before deciding on their next political platform, noting that their final decision would depend largely on Governor Fintiri’s move.
Reacting to the development, Adamawa APC Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Abdullahi, said the political realignments indicate that President Tinubu’s administration is attracting support from opposition figures.