PDP, NNPP Lose Over 4,500 Members to APC in Jigawa
By: Ahmed Aminu, Dutse
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have suffered a major setback in Jigawa State as no fewer than 4,500 of their members defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, a former NNPP stalwart and ex-chairmanship candidate of Miga Local Government, Engr. Balarabe Umar, said their decision to join the APC was driven by what he described as the quality, visionary and people-oriented leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi.
Umar said the implementation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda alongside Governor Namadi’s 12-point development agenda had started yielding tangible socio-economic benefits for the people, particularly in the areas of livelihood improvement, youth empowerment and inclusive governance.
“Our resolve is anchored on the visible impact of these policies on the lives of Nigerians and Jigawa people in particular. The direction is clear and the results are evident,” he said.
He pledged the loyalty of the new members to the APC and vowed to work assiduously for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Namadi in the 2027 general elections.
“I assure the APC leadership of our total commitment. We will work round the clock to ensure the return of President Tinubu and Governor Namadi for a second term in 2027,” Umar added.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Tinubu/Danmodi Automatic Ticket group, Alhaji Adamu Alhassan Indallahi, formally announced the number of defectors during the distribution of empowerment materials to beneficiaries at the same venue on Thursday.
Indallahi explained that the initiative was part of sustained efforts to galvanise support for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Namadi, noting that both administrations had shown uncommon commitment to youth empowerment, economic recovery and social development.
“We are convinced by the sincerity and focus of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umar Namadi in improving the lives of youths and women through impactful projects and policies. That is why we formed the Tinubu/Danmodi Automatic Ticket group to mobilise support for their second term,” he said.
He disclosed that beneficiaries of the empowerment programme included orphans under the Tinubu/Danmodi Automatic Ticket Charity Foundation, youth groups, APC media teams, flag bearers, women groups and the Usman Bin Affan Islamiyya School in Harbo SA area of Jahun Local Government.
According to him, cheques totalling N30 million were distributed, with some individuals and groups receiving N2 million each, while N6 million was allocated to the Islamiyya School as part of the empowerment drive.
Governor Umar Namadi, represented by the Commissioner for Basic Education, Alhaji Yunusa Lawan Danzomo, commended Indallahi for the initiative, describing it as a practical demonstration of support for good governance. He urged other political stakeholders to emulate the gesture.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Ambassador Salisu Seeker, lauded the empowerment programme, saying it would contribute significantly to addressing unemployment, poverty and insecurity in the state.
He revealed that no fewer than 1,200 youths, orphans and Islamiyya school beneficiaries had so far benefited from the scheme, urging recipients to utilise the support judiciously while reaffirming his loyalty to Governor Namadi’s administration.
