The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State has dismissed recent reports alleging mass defections and internal crisis within its ranks, describing them as exaggerated and politically motivated.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Umar Namadi, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, the party said the claims—many of which suggest a large-scale shift to the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—are part of a coordinated attempt to mislead the public and undermine confidence in the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to the statement, the APC remains firmly in control of the state’s political landscape, with evidence pointing to a steady influx of new members rather than an exodus. It accused opposition elements and a small group of dissatisfied politicians of amplifying false narratives to project instability within the party.
The government maintained that since Governor Namadi assumed office, thousands of members from opposition parties such as the PDP and NNPP have defected to the APC. It attributed this trend to what it described as the governor’s inclusive governance style and people-focused policies.
Central to this approach is the Citizens Engagement Programme, known locally as Gwamnati Da Jama’a, through which the governor toured all 27 local government areas to interact directly with residents. During these engagements, officials presented performance reports and gathered feedback, some of which reportedly informed the 2026 state budget.
The administration said the outreach not only strengthened governance but also triggered significant political realignments, with over 10,000 opposition members joining the APC during the exercise alone.
It further highlighted a series of high-profile defections over the past year, including former PDP financiers, grassroots mobilisers, and key stakeholders from both the PDP and NNPP. The party also pointed to a major rally held in October 2025 in Dutse, where tens of thousands of defectors were formally received into the APC.
While acknowledging that a few members have left the party, the statement downplayed their significance, describing most as individuals driven by personal ambition or dissatisfaction over political appointments. It insisted that fewer than 20 notable figures have exited the APC, arguing that their departure poses no real threat to the party’s structure.
The statement also accused some former appointees and political actors of using social media and informal platforms to exaggerate their relevance and fabricate claims of widespread discontent.
Despite these developments, the APC expressed confidence in its position, citing continued support from traditional institutions, religious leaders, and grassroots stakeholders across the state.
Looking ahead, the party said Jigawa voters remain focused on performance and leadership quality, expressing optimism that the APC will maintain its dominance in the 2027 general elections.
The statement concluded that while attempts to spread misinformation may persist, the political reality on the ground reflects a party that is consolidating its base rather than losing it.
