Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Yobe state, alongside the Arewa Strategic Implementation Group for Atiku (ASIGA) passed a resolution calling on Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim Jawa to lead their massive defection to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

The two political groups, led by Abubakar Garzali, made the announcements of defections on Saturday in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital.

The resolution of the two political Groups, however, signals a significant defection of the opposition political structures in Yobe state to APC.

Most of the defectors also cited the ongoing leadership crisis in the ADC, and a strategic political

realignment to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The pro-Atiku group has formally abandoned its 2023 presidential objective in favor of supporting the APC.

The two groups also acknowledged the leadership of Prof. Jawa, the MMRR Chairman of ADC in Yobe state, for building one of the strongest opposition structures in the state during the 2023 elections.

They, however, cited “lingering internal crisis, legal uncertainties, and leadership challenges” at the national level of the ADC as major reasons for their decision to defect to APC.

After extensive consultations across the LGAs, the members said they evaluated the performance of Governor Mai Mala Buni, praising his administration for sustaining peace, political stability, infrastructural development, youth empowerment, and inclusive governance.

They also recognised the fatherly guidance of former Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, who is the current Minister of Police Affairs.

The group further declared full support for Baba Malam Wali as the preferred successor for the 2027 governorship project in Yobe state, describing the choice as representing continuity, political stability, administrative experience, and sustainable progress.”

Responding, Prof. Jawa, who is also the Founder and National Coordinator of ASIGA, accepted the resolution passed by the two groups on their defection to APC.

He commended the Yobe state chapter APC for their patriotism, political maturity, commitment, and strategic foresight.

Jawa noted that the movement was originally established in 2023 to support Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition, adding that the group must evolve and in line with prevailing national realities.

He praised Governor Mai Mala Buni and announced that after broader engagements across Northern Nigeria, it has become evident that national interest requires “constructive support and partnership with the APC-led administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He, therefore, formally acknowledged and accepted the call for a strategic political alignment with the ruling APC in the state. (The Guardian)