Atiku “deeply pained” by Governor Fintiri’s defection, says TMSG

The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has described former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s reaction to the defection of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri as “lame and tepid,” claiming the veteran politician is “deeply pained” by the loss of his home-state power base.

In a strongly worded statement issued by Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, the group argued that Mr. Abubakar is currently under immense pressure after losing his most significant local ally to President Bola Tinubu’s “superior brinkmanship.”

“Intimidation” claims dismissed

The TMSG dismissed Mr. Abubakar’s suggestions that Governor Fintiri—who moved from the PDP to the APC alongside his entire cabinet and 16 legislators—was “intimidated” into joining the ruling party.”We understand how painful it is for a man of the former Vice-President’s political stature to lose a major local political ally and his entire PDP machinery to President Bola Tinubu’s party,” the statement read. “It is improper and insulting to claim that governors, who are political strongmen in their own rights, are being pressured.”

A personal blow

The group highlighted that the defection reflects poorly on Mr. Abubakar’s current standing, noting that even his son, Abba, has opted to align with the APC rather than follow his father to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).”It is indeed bad that Atiku, who could not convince his son or key members of his erstwhile political machinery in Adamawa to join him in his 2027 quest, wants to convince Nigerians to see him as a better alternative,” the TMSG added.

True Federalism vs Transactional Politics

According to the TMSG, the recent wave of defections to the APC is a result of President Tinubu’s “uncanny ability to relate with governors across party lines” and his commitment to true federalism. The group pointed to several key factors driving the shift:

Revenue: Federation allocations to states have more than doubled under the current administration.

Autonomy: The enforcement of local government autonomy as sanctioned by the Supreme Court.

Consistency: Contrast between the President’s history of party building and Mr. Abubakar’s “legendary transactional mindset” and frequent party-switching.

The TMSG concluded that while Mr. Abubakar continues his “convoluted politicking,” President Tinubu’s pragmatic approach remains the most effective model for Nigeria’s political growth and development.