By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State has received a total of 66,471 defectors from opposition parties, including the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Among the notable defectors were Alhaji Aminu Jahun and Alhaji Yusuf Shitu Galanbi, both key figures in the NNPP, who formally joined the APC alongside their supporters during a grand rally held at the Dutse Township Stadium.
Speaking at the event, Alhaji Aminu Jahun said he decided to join the APC with his loyalists to contribute to the party’s success in the 2027 general elections.
Also addressing the gathering, Alhaji Yusuf Shitu Galanbi cited fairness, justice, and the leadership qualities of Governor Umar Namadi as the reasons behind his defection.
“Governor Namadi is an exemplary leader who governs with fairness and justice. We have confidence in his leadership and will support both him and President Tinubu in 2027,” he said.
However, the ceremony, which was scheduled to commence at 2:00 p.m., suffered a major delay as Governor Namadi arrived at the venue around 5:22 p.m., long after many supporters had left. The delay left several attendees stranded, including some of the newly defected members.
By 3:30 p.m., the stadium had noticeably thinned out, with only a handful of party loyalists and government officials remaining. It was gathered that supporters from all 27 local government areas of Jigawa State, as well as contingents from Yobe, Katsina, Bauchi, and Kano States, had converged on Dutse for the rally but left early due to the governor’s absence at the scheduled time.
In his remarks, the APC State Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Sani Gumel, welcomed the defectors and assured them of equal treatment within the party.
“The APC is one family. We will accord every member — old or new — the same respect and opportunities,” he said.
