By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to uphold the agreements that birthed the All Progressives Congress (APC) through the merger of legacy parties—the ANPP, ACN, CPC, and others.
The president, represented by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, gave the assurance in Dutse, Jigawa State capital, at a ceremony where over 57,000 members of opposition parties formally defected to the APC.
Tinubu pledged justice and fairness to all political blocs that contributed to the party’s formation, saying his administration would continue to implement the APC manifesto, which prioritises citizens’ welfare and inclusive development.
Buni, while delivering the president’s message, said the Renewed Hope Agenda was already yielding results across key sectors.
“You are all living witnesses that food prices have started coming down to levels affordable to the common man. Government will continue to ensure the welfare of the people,” he stated.
He added that the Federal Government would expand support for farmers through improved access to inputs and equipment, while also directing the speedy completion of the remaining sections of the Kano–Maiduguri highway.
President Tinubu commended Governor Umar Namadi for his developmental strides and inclusive leadership, which he said had strengthened the party and attracted mass defections from opposition ranks.
He assured the new entrants of equal rights and privileges within the APC.
APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwada, described the mass defection—over 64,000 according to his figures—as proof of the party’s growing dominance in Jigawa.
“What we have seen today is a clear testimony that Jigawa is for APC and APC is for Jigawa. We are confident of winning all elective positions in 2027,” he said.
Governor Namadi, who presented the compiled list and profiles of the defectors to the national chairman, lauded President Tinubu for his inclusive leadership and steadfast commitment to fairness across all regions.