Jigawa PDP Stalwarts Defect to APC After Nearly Three Decades as Governor Namadi Declares Party Dominance

Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi welcomes long-term PDP stalwarts Sani Haru Babura and Mustapha Sule Tankarkar into the APC, citing a shift in state politics.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 4:27 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Daily Post Nigeria.

A Major Shift in Political Allegiance

The political landscape of Jigawa State experienced a significant realignment on Thursday as two high-ranking members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Alhaji Sani Haru Babura, hailing from the Babura Local Government Area, and Alhaji Mustapha Sule Tankarkar, from the Sule Tankarkar Local Government Area, were formally received at the Government House in Dutse. The move is viewed as a substantial blow to the opposition, as both individuals brought with them their local party structures and a significant number of supporters.

Ending a 28 Year Tenure with the Opposition

During the reception ceremony, Governor Umar Namadi emphasized the historical weight of the defection. He pointed out that the new entrants had remained loyal to the PDP for nearly three decades before deciding to switch parties. The Governor framed this transition as a testament to the growing confidence in his administration’s policies and the broader direction of the APC. According to Namadi, the departure of such long-standing figures underscores a fundamental change in the state's political dynamics and suggests a dwindling influence for the opposition.

Grassroots Influence and Strategic Gains

Governor Namadi highlighted the strategic importance of Babura and Tankarkar, describing them as credible leaders with deep-rooted grassroots influence. He noted that their ability to shape local political outcomes would be an asset to the APC’s efforts to consolidate power. The Governor used the occasion to issue a bold statement on the party's current standing, asserting that the APC is now the indisputable leading force in Jigawa State. He warned that those who remain outside the party risk being left behind by the state's current political trajectory.