From Joseph Asegba, Yola
One of the founding fathers of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State, Chief Joel Hamanjoda Madaki, has officially decamped to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), bringing along hundreds of his supporters.
Madaki made the declaration during his reception into the APC at Mahmud Ribadu Square, Yola, where he was received by national and state party leaders. He noted that the defection reflected the PDP’s declining influence in the state and warned that the party might struggle to field candidates at all levels in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to the gathering, the former PDP chairman said several factors motivated his move. “The unprecedented development strides achieved by the APC administration under the able leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu endeared our hearts to the party,” he said.
He cited key federal projects in Adamawa State, including the establishment of a Federal University of Agriculture in Mubi, the construction of the Jabbelamba-Belel road, approval for a Police College in Fufore Local Government Area, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) barracks—described as one of the best in the African sub-region.
Madaki also highlighted the appointment of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as the National Security Adviser (NSA), noting that it positioned Adamawa State prominently in national politics. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “If we join hands with the federal government, we shall reap more dividends of democracy.”
He further explained that the decision to decamp was reinforced after consultations with Abuja-based elders and constituents in Adamawa State. “Upon briefing our people about our mission, they unanimously agreed that we should join the APC. Here we are today, officially part of the party, to make Nigeria and Adamawa State greater,” Madaki added.
The reception ceremony was attended by APC heavyweights, including Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Dalori; North-East National Vice Chairman, Comrade Mustapha Salihu; former Senator Binta Masi Garba; former Deputy Governor Martins Babale; Senator Bello Tukur; and Mustapha Atiku Ribadu, among others.
Madaki recalled being one of six founding fathers of the PDP in Adamawa State, alongside former President of the African Business Roundtable Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, late Governor Wilberforce Juta, the late Alhaji Ali Baba, and Professor Jibril Aminu.
In response, Adamawa State PDP Chairman, Hamza Alh Bello Madagali, dismissed Madaki’s defection as inconsequential. Addressing stakeholders from Fufore at the Government House in Yola, Madagali described Madaki as “a lone ranger.”
“Madaki left alone. The PDP in Fufore remains intact. None of our critical stakeholders has defected with him. His so-called movement is a voyage of self-delusion,” Madagali said.
He assured that the PDP remains strong and united in Adamawa State and vowed that the party would “reclaim its pride” in the 2027 elections despite the defection.