Badaru Ally, Former Jigawa Council Chairman Dumps APC for ADC

A former Chairman of Gwaram Local Government Area in Jigawa State, Zahraddeen Abubakar, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing concerns that the party has drifted from its founding ideals.

Mr Abubakar, who served as council chairman during the second term of former Jigawa governor and ex-defence minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, formally communicated his decision in a resignation letter dated 28 February.

The letter was addressed to the APC ward chairman in Zandam Nagogo and copied to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In the correspondence, the former council chairman explained that his decision followed what he described as a noticeable departure by the ruling party from the principles upon which it was established in 2013.

Political sources indicate that Mr Abubakar is expected to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the coming days, signalling another shift in the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mr Abubakar currently serves as the Jigawa State chairman of the National Association of Former Elected Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (NALGON).

His resignation comes amid growing speculation about possible political realignments in the state. Recently, his political mentor, Mr Badaru, held meetings with opposition figures, including Mustapha Lamido, son of veteran politician Sule Lamido.

The meetings sparked rumours of a potential defection by Mr Badaru from the APC. However, the former minister dismissed such speculation, saying the discussions were aimed at strengthening unity within the party in Jigawa and the North-West region ahead of the 2027 elections and building support for the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Observers say the resignation of Mr Abubakar could signal deeper political manoeuvres within the state as parties begin early preparations for the next electoral cycle.