The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has secured victory in all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Adamawa State where council election results have been announced, marking a significant political shift in the state. The results, declared by the Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC), show overwhelming support for PDP candidates across the LGAs. The final election in Numan LGA is still pending, having been postponed from Saturday, June 13, when voting took place in the other 19 LGAs. Despite Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s defection from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on February 27, 2024, the PDP maintained strong grassroots support, particularly among local council chairmen who remained loyal to the party.
The PDP’s dominance in the council elections comes as a surprise to many, given that the state government is currently under APC leadership. However, observers note that preparations for the elections had already been underway well before the governor’s party switch. Many loyalists of Governor Fintiri followed him into the APC, but the existing council chairmen, who had been endorsed by the PDP for re-election, stayed within the party. This strategic retention of local leadership appears to have paid off, as the PDP candidates won decisively across the state.
Other political parties participated in the elections, but none managed to make a significant impact. The PDP’s campaign, led by its 2027 governorship candidate, Chief Maurice Vunobolki, was highly visible and well-organized in the weeks leading up to the polls. Vunobolki, who played a key role in mobilizing support, congratulated the newly elected council chairmen and described the victory as proof of the party’s enduring popularity among Adamawa’s people. He emphasized that the win reflects the electorate’s trust in the PDP’s leadership and vision for the state.
Among the newly elected council chairmen is Jibril Ibrahim Jimeta, who won the position in Yola North LGA. His victory, along with those of his colleagues, underscores the PDP’s continued influence at the local level. The ADSIEC has now shifted its focus to the final election in Numan LGA, where voting is expected to conclude the council election process. The commission has maintained transparency throughout the exercise, ensuring that results are credible and widely accepted.
This outcome may have broader implications for the 2027 governorship race, as the PDP’s strong performance could energize its base and signal a potential comeback in the state. The party’s ability to win council elections despite the governor’s APC affiliation highlights the importance of local leadership and grassroots mobilization in Nigerian politics. As the final results from Numan are awaited, the PDP’s sweeping victory serves as a reminder of its deep-rooted presence in Adamawa’s political landscape.
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