Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has figuratively torn the membership cards of defectors from the People’s Democratic Party while welcoming them to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The gesture, accompanied by strong remarks from Namadi, was seen as a blow to the PDP’s relevance in the state.
Speaking while receiving defectors from the Dutse metropolis at a mini event held in his official residence at the Government House, Dutse, on Monday evening, the governor stated that the PDP’s popularity had significantly declined, with many of its members already joining the APC.
Namadi said, “We all know that there is almost no PDP left in Jigawa. As you join us in the APC, we believe the rest of your colleagues still there will soon follow.”
He assured the defectors that they would be fully integrated into the APC’s structure and treated equally.
“We promise to carry you along just like every other APC member. APC is a party of equality and purpose,” he said.
Earlier, speaking on behalf of the defectors, Nasir Alhassan thanked Namadi for the warm reception.
Alhassan revealed that about 500 members had left the PDP to join the APC to contribute to the development of Jigawa State.
He said their decision to defect was driven by the PDP’s poor leadership and lack of direction.
“We were tired of the PDP’s leadership crisis and stagnation,” he stated.
He further noted that, for now, the APC appeared to be in control, with Namadi’s leadership and popularity playing a significant role in the party’s growing strength.
However, the Jigawa State PDP Chairman, Ali Diginsa, dismissed the defection claims, stating the party was unaware of any such movement.
Speaking via a telephone interview with The PUNCH on Monday evening, Diginsa expressed surprise, challenging the credibility of the claimed defectors.
He also questioned the rationale behind joining the APC.
“Given the current state of affairs in the country, no serious and sensible person would consider joining the APC,” he said.
Diginsa criticised Namadi’s action of tearing the PDP membership cards, describing it as inappropriate and unbefitting of a sitting governor.
“That behaviour is not politics. A governor should not engage in such conduct, especially considering the PDP’s stature as one of Africa’s major political parties,” he said.
He highlighted the PDP’s legacy, noting its history of producing presidents, governors, senators, and federal lawmakers.
“Once a member of the PDP, there’s always a tendency to return,” he said, citing examples such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Diginsa also demanded an apology from Namadi, saying the membership cards were symbols of identity and commitment.
“Tearing our members’ cards is a personal attack on their dignity and a desecration of the party’s symbol,” he added.
