A wave of defections has swept through major political parties in Jigawa State, with politicians and supporters from the All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party, and the New Nigeria People’s Party joining the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defections were formalised on Sunday in Dutse, the state capital, where ADC leaders received a former two-term senator representing Jigawa South-West Senatorial District, Sabo Nakudu, along with other politicians from across the state.
Nakudu, who chaired the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) during the 9th Assembly, announced his resignation from the APC on Friday before formally collecting his ADC membership card at the Dutse event.
“I am grateful to my supporters for turning out en masse to receive me into my new party,” he said. “I promise to work towards a greater Jigawa and the country at large.”
A governorship aspirant during the 2023 APC primaries, in which he lost to incumbent Governor Umar Namadi, Nakudu is widely expected to seek the governorship on the ADC platform in 2027. Sources close to him say consultations with key stakeholders are already underway.
Also linked to the ADC is Aminu Ringim, a three-time governorship candidate in the state — under the PDP in 2015 and 2019, and the NNPP in 2023. Described as a close associate of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, Ringim said he would formally join the party at a forthcoming event in his hometown.
Former Senator Ubale Shittu, who represented Jigawa North-East Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly on the PDP platform before defecting to the APC, was also present at the event.
The state ADC coordinator, Ahmad Gumel, described the defections as a significant boost to the party, saying they reflected its growing appeal. ADC chieftain Bashir Jumbo pledged equal opportunities within the party structure and called on members to work towards a 2027 victory.
Rival parties dismissed the development. PDP spokesperson Umar Kyari described those who left as “a group of political jokers seeking relevance,” insisting the departures did not involve key party members. He dared the ADC to prove its strength at the ballot box.
APC spokesperson Bashir Kundu was equally dismissive, saying the defectors were driven by personal interests rather than the public good. He expressed confidence that Governor Namadi’s performance would continue to attract support to the APC.
Efforts to reach NNPP officials for comment were unsuccessful.
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