In what political analysts are calling one of the biggest defections in recent times, over 64,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and other opposition groups have officially dumped their parties and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The massive political shake-up took place over the weekend in Jigawa, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – represented by Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, received the new entrants into the ruling party.
Buni, speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, welcomed the new members warmly and assured them they would enjoy the same rights and privileges as older APC members.
“From today, you’ll be treated equally in APC. We’re proud of your decision to support the party’s mission to build a better Nigeria,” he said.
President Tinubu used the occasion to highlight the federal government’s ongoing efforts to improve national infrastructure, especially in the North.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to finishing the Kano–Maiduguri highway, a crucial economic corridor for the region. The road, when completed, is expected to boost commerce, ease transport, and promote trade across Northern Nigeria.
Tinubu also touched on national security and economic stability, promising to tackle challenges affecting lives and livelihoods across the country.
The defection event was also attended by big political names including APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political Matters, Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim Masari.
Yilwatda told the new members that “this party belongs to all of us. Work hard, stay united, and let’s move Nigeria forward.”
Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi Danmodi, did not mince words either. He declared that with this influx of new supporters, APC is now unbeatable in the state.
“Jigawa will remain a stronghold of APC. With these defections, no party can challenge us here,” the governor said.
This mass movement is seen by political observers as a major blow to opposition structures in Jigawa and a sign of the APC’s growing grassroots control in Northern Nigeria.
