By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse

The former governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Jigawa State, Malam Aminu Ibrahim Ringim, has launched a fierce critique of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration, accusing it of systemic failure across education, health, and agriculture.

Speaking at a political rally in Taura, Ringim also firmly denied widespread rumours suggesting he and other NNPP members were defecting to the APC. He described the reports as deliberate falsehoods crafted by political opponents intent on destabilising the party.

“That story is entirely fabricated, it never happened. It is the handiwork of those seeking to undermine our party and its supporters,” Ringim stated.

He reaffirmed his loyalty to the NNPP and declared his intention to contest again in the 2027 general elections, stating there had been no directive from the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, suggesting any defection.

Ringim accused the APC government in Jigawa of presiding over widespread injustice and failing to meet the basic needs of citizens. He alleged that promises to improve healthcare, education, and social welfare have remained unfulfilled.

“Power belongs to God, and the people of Jigawa deserve a government that is just, responsive, and accountable. Instead, what we have is deepening hardship, growing insecurity, drug shortages in hospitals, and a collapsed education system,” he said.

He described a dire state of education, claiming that many schools lack qualified teachers, and pupils are forced to sit on bare floors due to a lack of classroom furniture.

On agriculture, Ringim criticised the state’s loan distribution scheme, alleging that only a select group of farmers had access, and that the terms were too unfavourable for the average farmer to accept. “These loans come with risks that most farmers are unwilling to bear,” he said.

He further alleged that although over 283 hospitals were built across the state, the government failed to recruit adequate healthcare workers.

“Some of these hospitals have just one midwife or nurse on duty. Others are completely empty, lacking not only staff but also security. Many are nothing more than empty buildings,” Ringim added.

In a separate part of his speech, Ringim took aim at former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, accusing him of spreading personal attacks and falsehoods in a recently published book.

According to Ringim, Lamido’s book, launched last month in Abuja, contains “malicious lies” designed to damage his character. He alleged that Lamido falsely accused him of stealing public funds and burying live animals at the Government House.

“He called me a thief, accused me of burying live animals and said I am not an indigene of Ringim. None of these claims have any factual basis,” he said.

Ringim clarified that his father was born in Gunkawa village within Ringim Local Government Area and later moved to Ringim town. His mother, he said, hails from Danbatta in Kano State. “I have property and farmland in Ringim. I am a true son of the soil. Lamido’s claims are completely baseless,” he stated.

He further accused Lamido of attempting to rewrite history, warning that if the attacks continue, he would publicly disclose details of the former governor’s political and financial dealings.

“I was once a classroom teacher and a civil servant in Jigawa. Lamido was neither a teacher nor a businessman, yet today he and his son drive cars worth millions. Where did that wealth come from?” he asked.

Ringim also claimed that when Lamido’s son, Mustapha, was arrested by the EFCC for alleged money laundering involving $50,000, it was he (Ringim) who was sent to facilitate his bail.

“If he continues provoking me, I will respond with facts. I know what transpired between Lamido and the late Governor Abubakar Rimi of Kano State. I have the records and I am ready to reveal everything when the time is right,” Ringim concluded.