APC Welcomes Over 66,000 Defectors in Jigawa as National Chairman, Gov Namadi Lead Mega Rally

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday held a massive rally in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, to welcome 66,044 new members who defected from various opposition parties into the ruling party.

The event, which turned the Jigawa capital into a sea of party colours, was attended by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, alongside members of the National Working Committee (NWC), the Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, and several top political leaders and state executives.

Speaking at the rally, Prof. Yilwatda described the defection as a strong signal of confidence in the APC’s leadership and its commitment to good governance at both the state and national levels.

He commended Governor Namadi for his inclusive leadership style and people-oriented policies, which he said had continued to attract supporters from across party lines.

“What we are witnessing today is a reaffirmation of trust in the APC. The decision of over sixty-six thousand people to join our great party is not just a political victory but a demonstration of faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the progressive leadership of Governor Umar Namadi,” Yilwatda said.

Governor Namadi, in his remarks, welcomed the defectors and assured them of equal opportunities within the party. He urged them to work collectively to strengthen the APC’s grassroots structure ahead of future elections.

“The APC is a home for all. We are one big family driven by a shared vision of development and prosperity for the people of Jigawa and Nigeria at large,” the governor said.

Party leaders at the event pledged continued support for the state government’s development agenda and lauded the governor’s strides in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and rural development.

The defectors, drawn from multiple opposition parties across the 27 local government areas of the state, were formally received into the APC fold amid cheers and celebration from party faithful and supporters.

Political observers have described the large-scale defection as a major boost to the APC’s dominance in Jigawa and a reflection of growing public confidence in the ruling party’s governance record.