After 28 years in PDP, Jigawa politicians switch allegiance to APC

A fresh wave of defections is reshaping Jigawa State’s political landscape, with two longstanding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crossing over to the All Progressives Congress (APC), reinforcing the ruling party’s growing dominance.

Governor Umar Namadi formally received the defectors—Sani Haru Babura from Babura Local Government Area and Mustapha Sule Tankarkar from Sule Tankarkar Local Government Area—at the Government House in Dutse, alongside their supporters and local political allies.

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The move marks a significant shift, as both politicians had spent nearly three decades in the Peoples Democratic Party before aligning with the All Progressives Congress.
Addressing the gathering, Namadi described the defections as a strong signal of changing political tides in the state, attributing the development to growing confidence in the APC’s leadership and direction.

According to him, the new entrants bring credibility and deep grassroots influence, noting that their decision reflects broader acceptance of the party’s governance approach.

The governor assured the defectors of full integration into the APC structure, stressing that both new and old members would enjoy equal status within the party.

“There will be no discrimination. Everyone will be carried along,” he said, while reiterating that the administration’s priority remains socio-economic development, particularly for youth and women.

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Namadi also framed the APC as the dominant political force in Jigawa, suggesting that the continued influx of members underscores its strengthening position ahead of future elections.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Sani Haru Babura and Mustapha Sule Tankarkar said their decision was driven by the governor’s leadership style, which they described as fair and development-oriented. They pledged to mobilise support for the APC and contribute to its electoral success in the upcoming polls.

The latest defections add to a steady stream of political realignments in Jigawa, as parties intensify grassroots engagement in anticipation of future electoral contests.