Jigawa APC Unites As Congresses Reinforce Party Dominance

The recently concluded ward, local government and state congresses of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have left an indelible mark on Jigawa State’s political history.

These exercises were held across all 280 political wards and 27 local government areas of the state and concluded at Dutse Stadium.

The APC first took over Jigawa State in the 2015 general elections, securing an overwhelming victory in more than 95 per cent of all elective positions contested.

The party has continued to consolidate its dominance in the state, despite Jigawa being a former stronghold of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the home state of one of its founding fathers.

In the 2019 general election, the APC recorded a 99 per cent victory. However, in the 2023 general election, the party experienced a slight setback, securing approximately 90-91% of all elective positions.

Although the APC maintained its position as the ruling party in the state, losing a Senate seat, three House of Representatives seats and one State Assembly seat was viewed as a significant challenge attributed to a variety of factors.

In less than two years of Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s leadership in the state, some opposition party House of Representatives members and State Assembly members have defected to the APC. They cited recognition of the transformative development taking place in the state as their reason.

These lawmakers who crossed over to the APC attributed their decision to the purposeful, democratic and inclusive governance exhibited by Governor Umar Namadi. They also acknowledged the audacity demonstrated by the party’s national leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in confronting the social and economic challenges that have plagued the country for decades.

The APC e-membership registration exercise, in which Jigawa State ranked among the leading states in Nigeria, achieving above-average performance, has highlighted Governor Namadi’s inclusive governance and strengthened the people of Jigawa’s confidence in the APC.

The All Progressives Congress ward and local government congresses were held on February 18 and 22, respectively.

Speaking earlier, the State Governor, His Excellency Malam Umar Namadi, promised to provide all necessary support to the National Organising Committee sent from the APC national headquarters to ensure the success of the exercise.

Governor Namadi noted that producing competent and reliable party leaders at all levels is key to the party’s strength, peace, and stability, and that, as such, they would not treat the party congress lightly.

“Peace and stability in our party, on whose mandate we now stand, are so important. Maintaining that stability by electing competent leaders is a duty bound upon every good member of the party,” Governor Namadi declared.

The APC Ward Congress was conducted peacefully across all 280 political wards in the state, where 100 per cent of the party’s ward executives emerged through consensus and affirmation in a very democratic, polite and decent manner.

While fielding questions at Dundubus Ward after visiting some areas, the Chairman of the National Ward and Local Government Congress for the APC 2026 exercise in Jigawa State, Hon. Shehu Muazu, expressed satisfaction with the outcome.

Hon. Shehu added that the conduct of Jigawa APC members was very encouraging and a clear testament to the fact that the good people of Jigawa State have appreciated the transformation taking place under Governor Malam Umar Namadi of the APC.

He further stated that they had concluded all necessary arrangements to ensure the success of the forthcoming Local Government Congress by addressing any gaps observed during the concluded Ward Congress.

The outcome of the Local Government Congress proved that the national and local organising committees had successfully adopted lessons learned from the Ward Congress.

The Local Government Congress, conducted across the 27 local government areas of the state, also took place without rancour, with 100 per cent of the executives emerging unopposed.

The State Congress was held at the Dutse Stadium amid the arrival of thousands of delegates and faithful party members who came to demonstrate their loyalty to the party.

During the congress, a seasoned politician and key figure in Governor Namadi’s administration, the former Commissioner of Local Government, former Commissioner of Land and Housing and former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Ahmed Maikudi MK, emerged as the new state chairman of the party.

Among other state executives elected during the congress are Nasiru Dahiru Jahun as Deputy Chairman of the party, Uzairu Nadabo Maigatari as Secretary, Bashir S. Kundu as Publicity Secretary and Umma Bashir Farin Dutse as Women Leader.

In his acceptance speech, Hon. Maikudi MK promised to work hard to enhance unity among members and ensure the return of President Tinubu and Governor Namadi for a second term, and the party’s overwhelming victory in the forthcoming 2027 general election and beyond.

The outcomes of the congresses have unveiled a new and solidified unity among the APC leaders, stalwarts, and members in the state.

So far, no one has lodged any complaint before the committee challenging the conduct of the congress held in any political ward or local government area.

The aftermath of the congresses has also demonstrated the party’s popularity and its members’ loyalty to the provisions of the party constitution.

It has also showcased how fully prepared the APC is for the forthcoming 2027 general election in Jigawa State.

The outcome has further strengthened the resolve and confidence of the party members, promising lasting victory.

Ultimately, whatever the immediate aftermath of the congresses in Jigawa State, the leadership style of Governor Malam Umar Namadi is regarded as the primary determining factor for the positive outcome.

This outcome will continue to influence the future results of any election organised by INEC or JISIEC.

Clearly, Governor Malam Umar Namadi is on the right track with his democratic leadership, which equally sets Jigawa State on a firm path for growth and development.