The All Progressives Congress in Jigawa State is facing one of its most serious internal crises in recent years, as a wave of defections by key political figures threatens to weaken the party’s structure and electoral strength.
The growing discontent is widely linked to allegations of poor party management and the marginalisation of influential stakeholders by Governor Umar Namadi, whose leadership style has come under increasing scrutiny from within the party.
Political observers trace the roots of the crisis to a strained relationship between Mr Namadi and his political benefactor, former governor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, as well as his financial backer, Isa Gerawa.
Although both men remain within the APC, sources familiar with the situation say there is lingering resentment over what they perceive as systematic sidelining from decision-making processes and party affairs. This “cold war” within the party’s top hierarchy is believed to have created factions and widened cracks across the APC’s political base in Jigawa.
Analysts warn that the internal discord, if left unresolved, could significantly undermine party unity and affect its performance in future elections.
The crisis has now manifested in a string of high-profile defections involving former lawmakers, party executives, and grassroots mobilisers.
Leading the list are former senators Sabo Nakudu, who represented Jigawa South-West between 2015 and 2023, and Muhammad Ubali Shitu, a long-time political associate of the governor who served in the Senate from 2015 to 2019.
Mr Nakudu’s defection is particularly symbolic as he had contested the APC governorship ticket against Namadi. His relationship with Mr Badaru reportedly deteriorated after the former governor backed Mr Namadi during the primaries, leaving deep political scars. The scars have been healed now as they share a common enemy.
The exit of former party chairmen further underscores the depth of the crisis. Those who have left include Ado Sani Kiri, who led the party between 2014 and 2019 and also served as commissioner and member of the House of Representatives, and Aminu Keskes, who chaired the party from 2019 to 2023 and previously served as Gumel Local Government chairman and ALGON chairman.
Also among the defectors is Bala Usman Chamo, a former Social Investment Programme coordinator and Dutse Local Government chairman, who is regarded as a key grassroots organiser.
Their departure is seen as a major blow to the party’s strength, given their influence across various political blocs in the state.
The crisis has also penetrated the governor’s serving aides, with several political appointees resigning their positions and quitting the party.
Two serving special advisers have stepped down, including one reportedly preparing to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives in the opposition ADC. In addition, six senior special assistants and two special assistants have resigned, all citing dissatisfaction with the current direction of the party.
One of the most notable exits is that of Zakari Kafin Hausa, a former senior special assistant who played a central role in organising Namadi’s campaign and mobilising support that led to his emergence as governor. His defection is viewed by insiders as a significant indicator of deepening cracks within the governor’s inner circle.
Grassroots Structure Erodes
Perhaps most damaging to the APC’s political machinery is the defection of at least 17 former local government chairmen. These figures are considered critical to grassroots mobilisation, electoral coordination, and voter outreach.
Their exit signals a potential collapse of the party’s local structures, raising concerns about its ability to get at least 25 percent in the presidential election.