Jigawa APC defection boost as Governor Umar Namadi welcomes two PDP stalwarts into APC, strengthening ruling party’s political dominance
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State on Thursday received two prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant political development in the ongoing wave of defections across the state.
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The latest Jigawa APC defection boost saw Alhaji Sani Haru Babura of Babura Local Government Area and Alhaji Mustapha Sule Tankarkar of Sule Tankarkar Local Government Area formally join the ruling party at the Government House in Dutse.
Both politicians arrived alongside their supporters and local political structures, signalling a coordinated shift in allegiance.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
Receiving the defectors, Governor Namadi described their move as a “major political statement,” suggesting that their departure from the PDP reflects changing political realities within the state.
He noted that both men had remained in the opposition party for nearly three decades before deciding to switch allegiance.
“These are people who have spent 28 years in the PDP without thinking of changing parties. Today, they are here,” the governor said, framing the development as a strong endorsement of APC leadership in the state.
Governor Namadi further described the defectors as influential grassroots politicians whose reach and credibility could significantly shape local political outcomes.
He maintained that their arrival strengthens the APC’s structure and reinforces its dominance in Jigawa State.
He also declared that the party remains open to new entrants, while issuing a firm political message about the APC’s standing in the state.
“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,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the new APC members, Alhaji Sani Haru Babura and Alhaji Mustapha Sule Tankarkar said their decision was driven by confidence in Governor Namadi’s leadership style, particularly his emphasis on fairness and development.
Both politicians pledged their commitment to mobilising support for the APC and contributing to its future electoral success.
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The defections add to a growing political realignment in Jigawa State, where party loyalties continue to shift ahead of future elections.
