Governor Umar Namadi has declared that the opposition in Jigawa State has effectively collapsed following a wave of defections by prominent political leaders and thousands of their supporters from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and other opposition parties into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor made the declaration on Wednesday at the Government House, Dutse, while receiving defectors from different parts of the state, including the entire state leadership structure of the NNPP led by Shehu Garu, over 500 PDP members from Maigatari Local Government Area led by Safiyanu Arab, and 1,212 PDP members from Kaugama Local Government Area who were led by the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Ahmed Mohammed Kaugama.

Addressing the new APC members, Governor Namadi described the mass defections as a clear demonstration of the growing confidence of the people in the policies, leadership and developmental strides of his administration.

He said the defection of the entire NNPP structure across the state marked a turning point in Jigawa’s political landscape.

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“Today, the entire structure of the NNPP in Jigawa State, across all 27 local government areas, has collapsed into the APC. Therefore, there is no longer any issue about the NNPP, ADC, or any other party—they have all ceased to exist here.

“We are grateful to the leadership of the APC in the state for their untiring commitment and determination to ensure that the APC continues to expand its presence across every part of Jigawa State.

“Today, those of you who have just joined the APC and those of us who have always been in the party are one and the same. We are united as members of one family.”

Speaking on the defection of the 1,212 PDP members from Kaugama, Governor Namadi described the development as remarkable and indicative of the growing acceptance of the APC across the state.

“As the party chairman has said, having 1,212 people return to the APC at the same time is no small achievement,” he said.

The governor assured all defectors that they would enjoy equal rights, fairness and justice within the party and government, stressing that governance in Jigawa remains inclusive and people-centred.

“We assure you that, by the grace of Allah, we will treat you with fairness and uphold the trust you have placed in us.”

He urged APC members across the state to warmly receive the new entrants and integrate them fully into the party.

“I call on APC members to receive these returnees with open arms. These new members have joined us with substantial grassroots support. Embrace them wholeheartedly and give them all the support they need.”

Governor Namadi further assured the defectors that they had taken the right decision.

“God willing, you will never regret your decision to join the APC.”

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, Mr Namadi maintained that every resident of Jigawa State is entitled to equal treatment regardless of political affiliation.

“As Governor of Jigawa State, every resident of the state is entitled to my attention and responsibility. The same applies to every local government chairman, who has a duty to serve every citizen under his jurisdiction.”

Explaining the reasons behind the decision of the NNPP leadership to join the APC, Mr Shehu Garu, said Governor Namadi’s exemplary leadership, fairness and commitment to development inspired their defection.

“We have joined the APC because of the many positive qualities we have seen in your leadership—your statesmanship, maturity and exemplary guidance of the people of Jigawa State. Through your leadership, you have placed Jigawa on the right path.

“The people across Jigawa State are proud of your administration because it is founded on justice, compassion, generosity and a genuine commitment to the progress and development of the state.”

Similarly, Safiyanu Arab, who led more than 500 PDP members from Maigatari Local Government Area into the APC, said the Governor’s inclusive style of leadership and commitment to youth development informed their decision.

“Considering the developments taking place in Jigawa State under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Malam Umar Namadi, we have witnessed remarkable achievements. Even during the period when we were in government, there has never been a time when members of the opposition were treated with as much respect, dignity, fairness and tolerance as they are today.

“There are many things that an opposition member could not have done in the past. If you were a civil servant or were involved in certain activities, you would be threatened or intimidated. But today, that is no longer the case.

“We have also observed that this administration’s greatest priority is to rescue young people from unemployment. Most importantly, government programmes and projects are implemented without political discrimination. There is no distinction between party members and non-party members, Mr Arab said.