Hamza Bello Madagali, former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State, has been elected as the new state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant political realignment in the state. The appointment came after a state congress held on Saturday evening at Mahmud Ribadu Square in Yola, where new party executives were sworn in following a series of ward and local government-level congresses. Madagali’s emergence is seen as a strategic move, especially given his close relationship with Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who played a key role in facilitating his transition from the PDP to the APC just two months prior.
In the new APC state leadership structure, the immediate past APC secretary has been appointed as deputy chairman, while Mustapha Atiku Ribadu, the former state organising secretary, now serves as the party’s secretary. Victor Dogo, who previously held the position of PDP publicity secretary, has been named as the new APC state publicity secretary. These appointments reflect a deliberate effort to integrate former PDP loyalists into the APC’s leadership framework, ensuring broader representation and unity within the party.
The transition was not without strategic planning. Governor Fintiri, who leads the APC in Adamawa, had earlier paved the way for Madagali’s rise by supporting the election of Idris Shuaibu, the immediate past APC state chairman, as the party’s National Vice Chairman for the North-East. This move cleared the path for Madagali to assume the top state position, demonstrating a calculated political maneuver to consolidate support and strengthen party cohesion ahead of upcoming elections.
During his swearing-in remarks, Madagali promised fair and inclusive leadership, assuring all APC members, regardless of their previous affiliations or status, that they would be treated equitably. He emphasized the need for unity and collective effort to build a strong party structure capable of delivering electoral victories. Governor Fintiri, who also addressed the gathering, reiterated his commitment to the party’s success, pledging to work tirelessly to ensure APC’s dominance at all levels in the next general elections.
The appointment of Madagali, once considered sidelined after his defection, underscores the shifting dynamics within Adamawa’s political landscape. His return to prominence signals a new phase of party consolidation and strategic alliances within the APC. As the party prepares for future electoral contests, the new leadership’s ability to unite diverse factions will be crucial in determining its success. The developments in Adamawa are being closely watched across Nigeria, as they reflect broader trends in party realignment and leadership restructuring ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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