Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi symbolically tore PDP membership cards while welcoming defectors to the APC, claiming the PDP’s decline in the state and assuring the defectors of full integration into the ruling party

Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, welcomed defectors from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a symbolic gesture that saw him figuratively tearing their PDP membership cards.

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The event, held at his official residence in the Government House, Dutse, on Monday evening, was marked by strong remarks from the governor, signaling a significant blow to the PDP’s presence in the state.

Governor Namadi asserted that the PDP’s popularity had drastically diminished, with a substantial number of its members already joining the APC.

“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 stated.

He assured the defectors of their full integration into the APC’s structure, promising equal treatment with existing members. “We promise to carry you along just like every other APC member. APC is a party of equality and purpose,” he said.

Nasir Alhassan, speaking on behalf of the defectors, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and revealed that approximately 500 members had left the PDP to contribute to Jigawa State’s development under the APC.

He attributed their decision to the PDP’s poor leadership and lack of direction, stating, “We were tired of the PDP’s leadership crisis and stagnation.” He also acknowledged Namadi’s leadership and popularity as key factors in the APC’s growing strength.

However, Jigawa State PDP Chairman, Ali Diginsa, dismissed the defection claims, expressing surprise and challenging the credibility of the claimed defectors.

Speaking via telephone, Diginsa questioned the rationale behind joining the APC, stating, “Given the current state of affairs in the country, no serious and sensible person would consider joining the APC.”

Diginsa criticized Governor Namadi’s action of tearing the PDP membership cards, deeming it 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 emphasized the PDP’s historical significance and demanded an apology from Namadi, asserting that 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.