AN APC Chieftain and a political ally of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has strongly refuted claims contained in a recent article authored by Dr. Umar Ardo, describing the publication as malicious, defamatory, and politically motivated.
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Thursday, Umar Dauda Duhu, a lawyer and APC party leader, responded to an article reportedly circulated on a WhatsApp platform, Adamawa Vanguard, in which Ardo allegedly made claims concerning Governor Fintiri’s political future and ongoing legal matters.
Duhu said he felt compelled to respond as a concerned stakeholder, insisting that the allegations contained in the article were “baseless and unfounded.”
One of the key issues raised in the disputed article, according to Duhu, was an allegation that Governor Fintiri was defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a bid to take control of the party structure for personal advantage.
Duhu described the claim as a “gross misrepresentation of facts,” maintaining that any political decision by the governor would be guided by strategic considerations aimed at advancing development in Adamawa State.
He argued that suggestions of ulterior motives were intended to mislead the public and create unnecessary political tension.
The statement also rejected claims that the governor was seeking political realignment to evade investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Duhu described such allegations as cynical and politically driven, asserting that Governor Fintiri has been cooperating with the anti-graft agency.
“It is on record that the governor has provided all necessary documentation and information requested,” he stated, adding that no evidence of wrongdoing had been established.
He further contended that the charges were part of a broader political witch-hunt aimed at tarnishing the governor’s reputation.
Duhu criticised what he described as inflammatory language used in the article, including references to “atrocities” and “enormity of destruction” allegedly linked to the governor’s tenure as Acting Governor in the past.
He said such characterisations were misleading and capable of inciting public sentiment rather than fostering constructive political discourse.
According to him, public commentary on governance should be guided by facts and respect for democratic principles.
The statement also underscored the principle of presumption of innocence, noting that it is the responsibility of investigative agencies and the courts to determine guilt or innocence.
“Governor Fintiri remains innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,” Duhu said, describing attempts to prejudge the matter as a breach of the rule of law.
Duhu urged members of the public to disregard the article, which he said should be treated with “the contempt it deserves.”
He called on Dr. Ardo to retract the publication and issue a public apology to Governor Fintiri, warning that failure to do so could result in legal action.
The statement was copied to several institutions and stakeholders, including the EFCC, the APC National Secretariat, the Adamawa State Government, and the Nigerian Bar Association.