In a significant political development, over 64,000 members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State. The mass exodus, which took place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, saw defectors from all 27 local government areas of the state converging at a grand rally held at the Dutse Stadium.
Historic Rally Welcomes Thousands into APC Fold
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, alongside the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, formally received the new members into the APC. The event, described as one of the largest political gatherings in Jigawa State in recent times, underscored a major realignment of political forces in the region. Thousands of supporters were in attendance to witness this momentous occasion.
Governor Buni, conveying President Tinubu’s message, assured the defectors of equal treatment and opportunities within the APC, stating, “From today, you will be treated as full members of our great party. Your courage and faith in the APC’s mission for a better Nigeria are highly commendable.” This assurance was echoed by APC National Chairman, Professor Yilwatda, who declared, “By what we have seen here today, we are confident that Jigawa is for the APC. People are satisfied with the developmental strides in education, health, roads, water supply, agriculture, and other sectors.” He further emphasized that the party “belongs to you. Feel at home, work for the party, and let’s move Nigeria forward together.”
Governor Namadi’s Leadership Cited as Key Factor
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State attributed the mass defection to the success and inclusiveness of his administration’s policies, which he stated have positively impacted the lives of the people. He reiterated that Jigawa State would continue to remain an APC stronghold, asserting that with these new entrants, the party cannot be challenged in the state. The defectors, in their address, indicated that their decision was driven by a leadership they described as purposeful and people-centered, aligning with Governor Namadi’s realistic 12-point agenda aimed at building a prosperous Jigawa.
National Development and Political Implications
President Tinubu, speaking through Governor Buni, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening national security and boosting economic growth. Key infrastructure projects, including the completion of the Kano–Maiduguri Highway, a critical trade route for northern Nigeria, were highlighted as priorities. The mass defection is seen as a significant endorsement of President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and a testament to the APC’s growing grassroots support.
The political landscape in Jigawa State appears to be decisively tilted in favour of the APC following this event. APC leaders expressed confidence in securing all elective positions in the 2027 general elections, signaling a robust consolidation of the party’s base.
Broader Trends in Nigerian Politics
This influx into the APC occurs against a backdrop of frequent political realignments across Nigeria. While the APC celebrates this as a victory, the opposition PDP has voiced concerns, accusing the ruling party of employing tactics like “coercion, intimidation, and inducement” to engineer defections and tilt the nation towards a one-party state. The PDP maintains that such movements are often driven by personal interests rather than ideological conviction.
Despite these broader political currents, the event in Jigawa State represents a significant boost for the APC. The scale of the defection, involving tens of thousands of members from prominent opposition parties, is a trending news item that highlights the dynamic and often fluid nature of Nigerian politics, particularly as the country looks towards future electoral contests. This featured news underscores the APC’s strengthened position in a key northern state.
