Writing By Usman Muhammed Zaria; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
The All Progressives Congress APC in Jigawa State has dismissed reports of mass defections and internal crisis, describing them as misleading and politically motivated.
Recent media reports had alleged that a significant number of party members were leaving the APC for the African Democratic Congress ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the state government said the claims were being driven by opposition elements and a few disgruntled members seeking to discredit the party’s leadership and achievements.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, the government maintained that the APC remains strong and politically dominant in the state.
According to the statement, the reality on the ground shows a steady influx of members from opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), into the APC.
The statement attributed the development to Governor Umar Namadi’s inclusive style of governance, which prioritises the welfare of citizens regardless of political affiliation.
It highlighted the Citizens Engagement Programme, also known as “Gwamnati Da Jama’a,” as a key initiative that has strengthened public trust and participation in governance.
Through the programme, the governor toured all 27 local government areas, presenting scorecards and engaging directly with citizens, whose inputs were incorporated into the 2026 budget.
The exercise, according to the government, also triggered widespread defections, with over 10,000 opposition members joining the APC during the tour.
The statement further cited several high-profile defections from the PDP and NNPP, including political stakeholders, former officeholders, and grassroots mobilisers across the state.
It added that a major rally held in Dutse in October 2025 formally received more than 66,000 defectors into the ruling party.
The government also acknowledged that a small number of individuals had left the APC but noted that their exit was largely driven by personal ambitions and grievances over political appointments.
It described such individuals as politically insignificant, insisting that their departure has not affected the party’s structure or electoral strength.
The statement warned against the spread of misinformation, alleging that some actors were using social media platforms to exaggerate defections and create unnecessary tension.
It maintained that Jigawa remains politically stable and that the APC continues to enjoy strong support from key stakeholders, including traditional institutions, religious leaders, and grassroots communities.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the government expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, citing ongoing consultations and mobilisation efforts across the state.
