The political atmosphere in Jigawa State has witnessed a remarkable transformation following the defection of distinguished politician and international business tycoon,Senator Sabo Mohammed Nakudu, from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
For years after its formation in Jigawa State, the ADC struggled to gain public recognition and political relevance. The party remained largely unnoticed by many residents, while even some of its leaders and stakeholders found it difficult to build the level of grassroots support needed to position the ADC as a formidable opposition platform. As a result, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government in the state paid little attention to the party and did not consider it a serious political challenger.
However, the narrative changed dramatically on Sunday, April 5, 2027, when Senator Sabo Mohammed Nakudu officially joined the ADC in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, alongside thousands of his supporters. The event immediately altered the political calculations within the state and attracted widespread public attention to the ADC.
Political observers believe the defection marked a turning point in Jigawa politics, as the ADC suddenly emerged from relative obscurity to become one of the most talked-about political parties in the state. The growing popularity of the party has reportedly unsettled the APC-led government due to the increasing number of defections by politicians, supporters, and political appointees into the ADC fold.
Today, many political analysts regard the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the leading opposition party in Jigawa State and a formidable political force capable of challenging the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 governorship election and other key electoral contests, with strong prospects of winning the governorship seat and several other political offices.
The grand reception ceremony held in honour of Senator Sabo Nakudu drew prominent ADC leaders and political stakeholders from across the state. Among those in attendance were the Jigawa State ADC Chairman, Alhaji Sani Gumel; former Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, HE Ahmed Mahmoud Gumel; Matawallen Kazaure, Hon. Bashir Adamu Jumbo; the late Hon. Abba Anas Adamu; and several other influential party figures.
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Senator Nakudu’s entry into the ADC has also triggered a wave of political realignments across Jigawa State. Several influential politicians from various political parties have thrown their weight behind his movement and subsequently joined the ADC.
Among those who aligned with the movement were key leaders of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Jigawa State, led by Mallam Aminu Ibrahim Ringim, the party’s governorship candidate in the previous election, as well as Senator Ubali Shittu and together with thousands of their supporters.
Other notable political figures who joined the ADC include former APC State Chairman, Hon. Ado Sani Kiri; former member of the House of Representatives representing Dutse/Kiyawa Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdullahi Kyamba Madobi; Barayan Dutse, Alhaji Ahmed Isah; and Alhaji Shehu Mohammed Sanusi Dan’iyan Dutse.
In another significant development, several former local government chairmen reportedly defected from the APC to the ADC under the leadership of Hon. Bala Usman Chamo, former Chairman of Dutse Local Government and former ALGON Chairman in Jigawa State. The defectors included former chairmen from Dutse, Kazaure, Roni, Yankwashi, Babura, Garki, Ringim, Taura, Sule Tankarkar, Gumel, Birniwa, Miga, and Gwaram Local Government Areas, alongside former local government secretaries from Buji and Kiyawa.
The movement also attracted several political appointees serving under the APC administration, including Special Advisers and Assistants, many of whom resigned from their positions to support Senator Nakudu’s political vision under the ADC platform.
Political stakeholders and supporters of the movement believe Senator Sabo Nakudu has demonstrated uncommon political strength and grassroots appeal by attracting influential politicians, government officials, and thousands of supporters into the ADC. They argue that his political experience, leadership qualities, and growing popularity make him the most suitable aspirant to emerge as the ADC governorship candidate for the 2027 elections in Jigawa State.
Before joining the ADC, Senator Nakudu had already built a strong reputation as an experienced civil servant, seasoned legislator, and respected politician. He served both in the House of Representatives and the Senate, where he contributed to national development through legislative and constituency service.
Beyond politics, he is widely recognized as an international businessman whose investments have created employment opportunities for many youths across Jigawa State and Nigeria at large.
Senator Nakudu’s governorship ambition is also not a new venture. In 2003, he contested for the governorship of Jigawa State under the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), further underscoring his longstanding interest in the leadership and development of the state.
As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum, supporters of Senator Sabo Nakudu are calling on the ADC leadership and stakeholders in Jigawa State to carefully consider his political relevance, competence, and widespread support by granting him the party’s governorship ticket.
By:
Comrade MA Abdullahi
Convener, Jigawa NextGen Alliance Group
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