Mass Defections Shake Nigerian Political Landscape in Jigawa State
In Jigawa State, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have experienced significant disruption due to a wave of mass defections. High-profile politicians, along with their supporters, have shifted allegiance to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling a critical challenge for the existing political parties.
This shift comes amid a broader political realignment in Nigeria as candidates gear up for the upcoming 2027 general elections. Reports indicate that discontent with the recently adjourned parliament has fueled these defections, with many politicians feeling excluded from the process.
On Sunday, the streets of Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, transformed into a bustling gathering space as thousands from various political factions converged for a substantial reception. This event celebrated Senator Thabo Muhammad Nakudu’s formal induction into the ADC, alongside numerous prominent figures. Nakudu, who has represented the Jigawa South West Senatorial District for two terms, joining this opposition party represents a significant milestone for the ADC and showcases its growing influence within the state.
Senator Nakudu resigned from the APC on Friday and received his ADC membership card during the rally the following Sunday. In a brief speech, he expressed gratitude to his supporters for their overwhelming turnout, pledging to work diligently toward a thriving Jigawa and Nigeria at large. After competing against Governor Umaru Namadi in the APC’s gubernatorial primaries earlier this year, Nakudu is expected to run for governor under the ADC banner in the 2027 elections.
In a parallel development, Aminu Lingim, a three-time gubernatorial candidate for the PDP and NNPP, has also defected to the ADC. Lingim, who is politically allied with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, announced plans for a mass rally in his home local government area to officially join the ADC.
Notably, Senator Ubale Situ was present at the event, where numerous followers enthusiastically chanted political slogans in support of the defectors joining the ADC. These actions signal a growing momentum for the opposition party within Jigawa State.
Ahmad Mahmoud Gumel, the ADC state coordinator and a former deputy governor under the Sule Lamido-led PDP government, welcomed Nakudu and the other defectors, highlighting that their departures from their former parties substantiate the ADC’s expanding appeal. He praised Nakudu’s leadership experience as a critical asset to the party’s ambitions.
In response to these political shifts, Umaru Kyari, the state PDP chief, dismissed the significance of these defections, labeling the ADC as a group of “political jokers” seeking relevance. He challenged serious contenders contemplating a run under the ADC to compete against recognized parties. Similarly, Bashir Kundu, spokesperson for the ruling APC, downplayed the defections, suggesting they stem from selfish motivations rather than community welfare, while asserting the transformative initiatives spearheaded by Governor Namadi.
Despite attempts by PUNCH correspondents to garner comments from the leadership of the NNPP regarding the defections, inquiries were met with silence, as responses from known party officials and designated contacts went unanswered. As of the time of writing, the APC and NNPP in Jigawa State have yet to issue any formal statements regarding the recent political shake-up.
