Jigawa Lawmaker Ditches PDP for APC, Citing Governor Namadi’s Inclusive Leadership

By Abdulhamid Sani

DUTSE, Jigawa State – In a notable political realignment, Hon. Zakari Yahaya, the lawmaker representing Fagam Constituency in the Jigawa State House of Assembly, has officially decamped from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The move, which saw Hon. Yahaya accompanied by a significant number of his constituents and local political figures, was formalized in a ceremony at the Council Chambers of the Government House yesterday. Governor Mallam Umar Namadi personally received the defectors.

Hon. Yahaya attributed his decision to what he described as Governor Namadi’s exemplary leadership style, characterized by inclusivity and the fair allocation of development projects and democratic dividends across all communities, irrespective of their political leanings. He expressed his commitment to continue collaborating with the current administration to advance development initiatives within his constituency and the broader Jigawa State.

Welcoming the Fagam representative and his supporters into the APC fold, Governor Namadi assured them of equal rights, privileges, and opportunities within the party structure, emphasizing their seamless integration with existing members.

A Look at PDP’s Past Influence in the Region

Hon. Zakari Yahaya’s defection marks a significant shift in Fagam constituency, an area where the PDP has previously demonstrated notable influence. It’s important to contextualize this development within the broader political landscape of Gwaram Local Government Area and the Jigawa South Senatorial District, of which Fagam is a part.

Historically, the Peoples Democratic Party has been a formidable political force across Jigawa State, with varying degrees of dominance in different localities.

I Fagam Constituency, Hon. Zakari Yahaya himself secured his seat in the State House of Assembly under the PDP banner during the 2023 general elections, winning with 17,104 votes against the APC candidate’s 12,318. This victory underscored the PDP’s continued relevance in the constituency at the time.

Gwaram Local Government Area has witnessed a more dynamic interplay of political forces. While the PDP has maintained a substantial presence and has been active in local electoral processes, including fielding candidates for councillorship positions like in Gwaram Ward (as seen in a 2023 legal challenge involving a bye-election), other parties like the APC and NNPP have also recorded significant electoral successes. For instance, in the 2023 Gwaram Federal Constituency election, the NNPP emerged victorious, with the PDP trailing. This indicates a competitive political environment rather than an outright monopoly by one party.

The Jigawa South Senatorial District has also seen shifts in political tides. While the PDP has historically held sway and, as of the most recent elections in 2023, successfully secured the senatorial seat for the district, previous elections, such as the 2019 senatorial polls, saw the APC winning the Jigawa South West (now part of the redrawn Jigawa South) senatorial seat. The 2023 Jigawa State gubernatorial election also saw the APC candidate defeat the PDP’s flagbearer. This demonstrates a consistent contest for dominance between the major parties in the senatorial district.

Regarding Basirka Ward, which falls under Fagam Constituency, while specific historical data on PDP’s long-term dominance at this micro-level is not always distinctly chronicled in broader political analyses, its political leanings would generally mirror the trends observed in the larger Fagam constituency and Gwaram Local Government. People like late Alh Sama’ila Maishinkafa Basirka most be remembered for their efforts and political influence and dominance in Gwaram south and Gwaram local government in general. Maishinkafa was the first Chairman of PDP in Gwaram local government around 1998. The fact that Hon. Yahaya, representing Fagam (which includes Basirka), was elected on the PDP platform suggests a significant level of support for the party within such wards up until this recent defection.

This move by Hon. Yahaya and his supporters to the APC could thus be interpreted as a recalibration of political allegiances, potentially influencing the grassroots dynamics in Basirka Ward and Fagam constituency ahead of future electoral contests. Governor Namadi’s emphasis on inclusive governance appears to be a key factor in attracting political figures from across the aisle.

About The Author