In a significant political development in Jigawa State, no fewer than 216 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The mass defection took place during a “Citizens and Government Engagement Forum” held at the Gagarawa Local Government Area headquarters.
The defectors were formally received into the APC in an event attended by Governor Malam Umar Namadi and other top government officials. Speaking at the occasion, Governor Namadi emphasized that the forum was established to allow citizens to engage with the government, hear about its achievements over the past two years, and voice their demands for prompt intervention.
Governor Namadi reiterated that the forum is open to all citizens regardless of political affiliation and stressed his administration’s commitment to improving lives through projects such as road construction, empowerment programs, renovation of health facilities including the Gagarawa General Hospital, employment initiatives, scholarships, and women’s welfare.
On behalf of the defectors, Malam Habibu Dangodo handed over their membership list to the Jigawa State APC chairman, Hon. Aminu Sani Gumel. Dangodo explained that their decision to join the APC was inspired by Governor Namadi’s visionary leadership, which has renewed hope for a better life filled with opportunities and prosperity.
“Governor Namadi’s leadership has convinced us that the APC truly means well for Gagarawa local government and Jigawa State. We felt it necessary to join hands in building a modern, prosperous, and greater Jigawa,” Dangodo stated.
This recent defection adds to a growing trend in Jigawa, where thousands of PDP and NNPP supporters have joined the APC in recent months, reflecting increasing public satisfaction with the APC-led government’s developmental efforts under Governor Namadi.