A wave of political defections has hit Jigawa State as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) have joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a move that could reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development became public during a large political gathering in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, where supporters and party leaders welcomed former senator Sabo Nakudu into the ADC.
Nakudu, who represented Jigawa South-West Senatorial District for two terms in the Senate, officially dumped the APC on Friday before formally joining the ADC on Sunday alongside several supporters and politicians from across the state.
Speaking after receiving his membership card, Nakudu expressed appreciation to his supporters for turning out in large numbers to receive him in his new political home.
“I am grateful to my supporters for turning out en masse to receive me into my new party. I promise to work towards a greater Jigawa and the country at large,” he said.
Nakudu previously served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) in the 9th National Assembly. Political observers believe he may contest the governorship election in 2027 on the ADC platform. He had earlier challenged incumbent governor Umar Namadi during the APC governorship primaries ahead of the 2023 election.
Sources close to the former lawmaker said he has already begun consultations with political stakeholders across the state as he prepares for the next electoral cycle.
Another prominent political figure expected to join the ADC is Aminu Ringim, who contested the Jigawa governorship election three times — under the PDP in 2015 and 2019, and under the NNPP in 2023. Ringim, widely known as a political ally of former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, said he would soon formally announce his defection during an event in his hometown.
Also present at the gathering was former senator Ubale Shittu, who previously represented Jigawa North-East Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly on the PDP platform before later moving to the APC.
The Jigawa State coordinator of the ADC, Ahmad Gumel, welcomed the new members and described the defections as a major boost for the party. According to him, the influx of experienced politicians shows the growing popularity of the ADC in the state.
ADC chieftain Bashir Jumbo also assured the new entrants of equal opportunities within the party structure, urging members to remain united.
“We must work together and take over power in 2027 by the grace of God,” he said.
However, the defections have been dismissed by opposition parties. The PDP Public Relations Officer in the state, Umar Kyari, described the defectors as politically insignificant.
“They are just a group of political jokers seeking relevance,” Kyari said, challenging the ADC to prove its strength at the polls.
Similarly, APC spokesperson Bashir Kundu downplayed the development, insisting that the defectors were pursuing personal interests rather than the public good.
Kundu expressed confidence that Governor Namadi’s performance would continue to attract more support to the APC.
Meanwhile, efforts to get an official reaction from the NNPP were unsuccessful as party officials could not be reached at the time of filing the report.
The latest defections highlight the growing political realignments in Jigawa State as parties and politicians begin early preparations for the 2027 general elections.
