By: Hassan Turaki.
Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has declared that the opposition in the state has effectively collapsed following a wave of mass defections into the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The Governor made the declaration on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Government House, Dutse, while receiving defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, and other parties.
Among those who defected were the entire state leadership structure of the NNPP led by Alhaji Shehu Garu, over 500 PDP members from Maigatari LGA led by Hon. Safiyanu Arab, and 1,212 PDP members from Kaugama LGA led by the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Kaugama.
Describing the defections as a clear vote of confidence in his administration, Governor Namadi said the collapse of the NNPP structure across all 27 LGAs marked a turning point in Jigawa’s political landscape.”
Today, the entire structure of the NNPP in Jigawa State, across all 27 local government areas, has collapsed into the APC. Therefore, there is no longer any issue about the NNPP, ADC, or any other party—they have all ceased to exist here,” he said.
The Governor assured the new members of equal rights, fairness and justice within the party and government, urging APC members to integrate them fully. “We assure you that, by the grace of Allah, we will treat you with fairness and uphold the trust you have placed in us,” Namadi stated. “God willing, you will never regret your decision to join the APC.”
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, saying every resident of Jigawa is entitled to equal treatment regardless of political affiliation.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, NNPP State Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Garu, said the Governor’s exemplary leadership, fairness and commitment to development inspired their decision to join the APC.Similarly, Hon. Safiyanu Arab said the Governor’s respect for opposition members and focus on youth employment and non-discriminatory projects informed the defection of over 500 members from Maigatari.
He noted that unlike in the past, members of the opposition are no longer intimidated and government programmes are implemented without political discrimination.
The APC leadership in the state was also commended for its efforts in expanding the party’s presence across Jigawa.
