By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
Over 500 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sakwaya Ward, Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The mass defection, part of a wider realignment across the 27 local government areas of the state, further strengthens the ruling party’s base ahead of future elections.
Receiving the defectors, the Special Adviser to Governor Umar Namadi on Labour Matters, Comrade Abdullahi Tsoho Garba, said the move reflects growing public confidence in the Namadi administration’s policies and programmes.
He described Governor Namadi as a leader running an inclusive and transparent government anchored on infrastructure development, human capital investment, and improved service delivery.
“Governor Namadi’s transformation agenda is already yielding results across key sectors, and this administration remains committed to ensuring that every citizen benefits from the dividends of democracy,” Garba said.
Also speaking, the Member representing Dutse Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Tasiu Soja, welcomed the new members and assured them of equal opportunity within the party.
“The APC is a home for all,” he said. “We will continue to work together to advance the progress of our people and the development of Jigawa State.”
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Malam Danazumi Yakubu, former PDP Chairman of Sakwaya Ward, said their decision to join the APC was inspired by Governor Namadi’s purposeful leadership and development strides.
“We have seen Governor Namadi’s sincerity of purpose through his 12-point agenda, which is transforming Jigawa. We want to be part of that progress,” Yakubu declared.
Prominent among the defectors were Alhaji Garba Dankwashan (Sarkin Fawa), Ward Secretary Abdulrahim Zobiya, Women Leader Hajiya Mariya, Youth Leader Kabiru Jidawa, and polling unit chairmen of Gadarawa and Sabon Gari.