Dare Babalola
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has recorded a major political boost in Jigawa State with the defection of more than 4,000 members from various opposition parties.
The defectors were formally received on Tuesday by Governor Umar Namadi during a grand reception held in Taura Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Hamisu Gumel, the mass defection signals a significant shift in the state’s political dynamics and further strengthens the APC’s grassroots presence.
The event also featured the commissioning of a new party secretariat in Taura, underscoring what officials described as growing consolidation of the APC’s structure across the state.
The statement noted that the defectors were led by Safiyanu Ubale Taura, a former state party chairman and four-term member of the House of Representatives under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alongside a political bloc with strong influence in Taura and Ringim local government areas.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Namadi described the development as evidence of the APC’s increasing acceptance among the people.
“This development clearly shows that the APC remains the party of choice for the people of Jigawa. The calibre of individuals we have received today represents the core of political mobilisation in Taura and Ringim,” he said.
He added that the influx of new members outweighs any recent defections from the party, noting that the APC continues to expand across all parts of the state.
The governor also assured the new entrants of fair treatment and inclusive leadership.
“We promise to treat you with fairness, to lead with integrity, and to uphold the trust you have placed in us, God willing,” he stated.
In his remarks, APC State Chairman, Ahmed Garba M.K., attributed the growing wave of defections to the administration’s development efforts and inclusive governance style.
He highlighted ongoing projects, including the restoration of electricity in Taura and neighbouring communities after years of blackout, as a key factor driving support for the ruling party.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Taura pledged loyalty to the APC and the state government, assuring that his supporters would work towards the party’s success in future elections.
“We are fully committed to the success of this administration and will mobilise our supporters to ensure continuity. We will also offer all necessary advice to improve the welfare of the people,” he said.
The event drew a large crowd of party faithful and stakeholders from across the state, reflecting what observers describe as the APC’s growing dominance in Jigawa ahead of the 2027 elections.
