A major political realignment has occurred in Jigawa State as over 64,000 members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) defected en masse to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a ceremony that drew thousands of party faithful and local leaders.
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presided over the ceremony, describing the mass defection as “a sign of confidence in the renewed hope agenda.” The event, held in Dutse, was attended by APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, several governors, and key party stakeholders.
In his address, Gov. Buni lauded President Tinubu’s leadership for fostering political inclusivity and progress, saying the defectors’ decision would further consolidate APC’s dominance in the North-West. He assured the new entrants of full integration and equal opportunity within the party.
The defectors, led by several PDP ward chairmen, said their move was motivated by the APC government’s visible achievements in infrastructure, education, and social welfare. They also expressed disillusionment with internal wrangling in the PDP.
Analysts view the defection as a strategic win for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections, as it tightens its grip on the North-West—Nigeria’s largest voting bloc.
