Ex-senators, 17 ex-LG chairmen dump APC in Jigawa

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State is facing a deepening internal crisis following the defection of several key political figures, including former senators and ex-local government chairmen.

The defections come amid growing discontent within the party over allegations of poor internal management and the marginalisation of influential stakeholders by Governor Umar Namadi.

Political observers say the crisis is linked to a strained relationship between Namadi and his predecessor, Badaru Abubakar, as well as Isa Gerawa, a political ally believed to have played a key role in the governor’s emergence.

Although both Badaru and Gerawa remain members of the APC, sources familiar with the situation say tensions persist over what some stakeholders describe as their exclusion from party decisions and activities.

Among those who have defected are Sabo Nakudu, former senator representing Jigawa south-west from 2015 to 2023, and Muhammad Ubali Shitu, who served in the Senate from 2015 to 2019.

Nakudu had contested the APC governorship ticket against Namadi during the party primaries. His relationship with Badaru reportedly deteriorated after the former governor backed Namadi for the governorship.

The list of defectors also includes former state party chairmen. They are Ado Sani Kiri, who led the APC in Jigawa between 2014 and 2019, and Aminu Keskes, who served as chairman from 2019 to 2023.

Also among the defectors is Bala Usman Chamo, former coordinator of the social investment programme and ex-chairman of Dutse LGA.

The crisis has also affected the governor’s aides, with several political appointees resigning their positions and leaving the party.

Two serving special advisers reportedly stepped down, including one preparing to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Six senior special assistants and two special assistants have also resigned, citing dissatisfaction with the direction of the party.

One of the most notable exits is Zakari Kafin Hausa, a former senior special assistant who played a key role in mobilising support for Namadi’s governorship campaign.

Perhaps the most damaging development for the party’s grassroots structure is the defection of at least 17 former local government chairmen across the state.