PDP, NDC Members Dump Parties for APC in Jigawa, Back Tinubu
By Akin Alade
The political landscape in Jigawa State is witnessing fresh realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections as members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have crossed over to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anticipated second-term ambition.
The defections, which took place in Garun Gabas Ward, Malam Madori Local Government Area, coincided with the expansion of the Tinubu Movement for Sustainable Governance Foundation, popularly known as the “Tinubu Must Stay” Movement.
The development highlights the APC’s renewed emphasis on grassroots political mobilisation, community development initiatives and efforts to consolidate its electoral strength across northern Nigeria.
Opposition Members Cite Development Projects as Reasons for Defection
The new APC members attributed their decision to join the ruling party to what they described as visible development interventions and improvements in their communities.
They particularly acknowledged projects facilitated by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), saying the initiatives had strengthened their confidence in the Tinubu administration.
The defectors were formally received by the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, alongside APC leaders in Malam Madori Local Government Area.
Although the exact number of defectors was not disclosed, their movement into the APC represents another development in the political contest for grassroots support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Tinubu Must Stay Movement Expands Grassroots Structures
The political gathering attracted APC stakeholders, traditional community representatives, women, youths and supporters who expressed solidarity with the President.
The event also witnessed the inauguration of a grassroots mobilisation office designed to strengthen the movement’s presence in Jigawa State.
Abdullahi, who doubles as Chairman of the movement’s Board of Trustees and National Coordinator, explained that the initiative was established to educate Nigerians about the administration’s economic policies and development programmes.
He maintained that economic diversification, inclusive prosperity and sustained policy implementation remained central to the administration’s reform agenda.
According to him, government interventions in agriculture, education, digital literacy, healthcare, food security and national security were intended to strengthen the economy and improve living standards.
He argued that Nigeria required continuity in economic reforms to achieve long-term development, citing countries such as Singapore, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates as examples of nations that benefited from sustained development policies.
NITDA DG Seeks Massive Support for Tinubu in 2027
Abdullahi called on residents of Jigawa State to participate actively in the forthcoming elections and support President Tinubu’s re-election ambition.
He expressed confidence that sustained community engagement and public awareness of government programmes could improve the President’s electoral prospects.
The NITDA boss also announced plans to extend economic empowerment opportunities to another 200 women in Garun Gabas Ward.
The proposed intervention follows an earlier empowerment programme in Hadejia, where beneficiaries received financial assistance, sewing machines, bakery equipment and agricultural inputs.
He explained that the movement would continue supporting women, young people, children and persons living with disabilities through educational assistance, skills development and economic empowerment initiatives.
APC Leaders Highlight Digital Development in Jigawa
The APC Chairman in Malam Madori Local Government Area, Alhaji Tanko Ahmad, praised Abdullahi for facilitating digital infrastructure projects in the community.
He particularly identified the Information and Communication Technology Development Centre at Government Secondary School, Garun Gabas, as an important intervention capable of expanding access to digital education.
Ahmad said investments in technology and education could create opportunities for young people while preparing them for an increasingly digital economy.
He pledged that APC structures across the local government would intensify their mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.
From International Launch to Ward-Level Mobilisation
The Garun Gabas Convener of the Tinubu Must Stay Movement, Engineer Hashim Suleiman, described the inauguration as another stage in the organisation’s expansion.
He explained that the initiative began with activities in the United Kingdom before its launch in Abuja and subsequent movement into local communities.
Suleiman maintained that the organisation would continue engaging Nigerians at the grassroots while promoting economic empowerment and awareness of government policies.
He also encouraged beneficiaries of the movement’s assistance programmes to invest the support in productive ventures capable of improving their financial independence.
2027: What Opposition Defections Mean for Jigawa Politics
The latest defections come amid growing political activities by parties and support organisations seeking to strengthen their structures before the 2027 general elections.
For the APC, attracting opposition members offers an opportunity to expand its local networks, increase voter engagement and reinforce existing political alliances.
However, the electoral significance of the defections will depend on the number of active supporters involved, their influence within their communities and their ability to mobilise voters.
Political defections do not automatically translate into electoral victories, particularly where economic conditions, local political interests and voter expectations remain important factors.
The development also places renewed attention on the capacity of opposition parties to retain their members and build competitive grassroots organisations.
With political activities gathering momentum across the country, Jigawa State is emerging as another arena where party loyalty, development projects and political mobilisation are expected to influence the contest for votes.
As the 2027 elections approach, the effectiveness of the Tinubu Must Stay Movement and similar political organisations will ultimately be tested by their ability to convert public engagement and political endorsements into votes at the ballot box.
