|By Chinwendu Nwani
More than 64,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and several other political groups in Jigawa State have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, received the defectors on Saturday, pledging equal treatment and opportunities for all members regardless of when they joined the party.
Speaking through a statement issued by his media aide, Mamman Mohammed, Governor Buni quoted the President as saying, “From today, you will be treated equally with older members of the party. We are proud of your courage and determination to support the ruling party in its mission and commitment to national development.”
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s resolve to strengthen national security and ensure the protection of lives and property as part of efforts to foster economic growth. He also promised the speedy completion of the Kano–Maiduguri federal highway to enhance trade and ease the movement of goods and services.
Commending Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi for his developmental efforts, Tinubu noted that his leadership has positively transformed the state. The APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who attended the event alongside other members of the National Working Committee, praised Governor Namadi’s performance and urged the new members to feel at home within the APC.
“The party belongs to you,” Yilwatda said. “Work for its progress and the continued development of your state.”
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters, Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim Masari, appealed to the people of Jigawa to stand firmly behind the APC government. He assured that the Tinubu-led administration would continue to deliver projects and policies that benefit Jigawa and Nigeria as a whole.
Governor Namadi, in his remarks, expressed gratitude for the federal government’s support, saying the collaboration had significantly improved the welfare of residents.
“With the new defections, APC cannot be challenged in Jigawa State,” the governor declared confidently, describing the wave of defections as a reaffirmation of the state’s loyalty to the ruling party.
