Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi welcomed two senior members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday, signalling a possible shift in the state’s political alignment.
The ceremony took place at the Government House in Dutse, where Alhaji Sani Haru Babura, a former PDP official from Babura Local Government Area, and Alhaji Mustapha Sule Tankarkar, formerly of the PDP in Sule Tankarkar Local Government Area, formally signed up with the ruling party. Both men were accompanied by supporters and local party structures.
In a statement issued by Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, the governor’s chief press secretary, Governor Namadi praised the defections as “a major political statement” that reflects “changing political dynamics” in Jigawa. He noted that the two defectors had spent 28 years with the PDP before deciding to join the APC, a move he attributed to growing confidence in the APC’s leadership and development agenda.
“The message is clear. APC is the leading party in Jigawa State. You either come and join the train, or you will be left out,” the governor said, adding that the influx of new members reinforces the party’s position as the dominant force in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Babura and Tankarkar said their decision was driven by Governor Namadi’s leadership style and what they described as his commitment to fairness and development. They pledged to mobilise support for the APC and to work towards its success in upcoming elections.
The defections come amid a broader trend of political realignments in northern Nigeria, where the APC has been consolidating its influence ahead of the 2027 general elections. Analysts note that the addition of local leaders with strong grassroots networks could bolster the party’s outreach in rural constituencies.
The APC has welcomed the move, stating that the party remains open to “anyone willing to contribute to its vision.” The governor’s office has not indicated any immediate policy changes but emphasized that the new members will play a role in shaping the party’s strategy for future contests.
As Jigawa’s political landscape evolves, the defections underscore the fluid nature of party affiliation in Nigeria’s regional politics and may foreshadow further shifts before the next electoral cycle.
