Jigawa: Where Gov Namadi’s inclusive governance attracts defectors from oppositions
By Lawal Jet Kaugama
The political landscape of Jigawa State is undergoing a remarkable transformation under the visionary leadership of Gov Malam Uma Namadi.
In a period when the Nigerian political scene is often defined by deep divisions and partisan rivalry, Jigawa stands out as a shining example of inclusiveness, accountability, and people-centred governance.
The recent defection of over 70,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from 27 Local Government Areas across Jigawa State, is a clear reflection of this growing trust and admiration for Gov Namadi’s leadership style.
Among the dignitaries who came from Abuja to receive the defectors into APC fold was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s (SSA Political) Alh Ibrahim Masari, and governors of Yobe, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto and Kaduna state.
This latest wave of defections is not an isolated event. The opposition members are steadily embracing the APC, drawn by a sense of purpose and the tangible progress being recorded under Gov Namadi’s administration. Such mass political realignment cannot be divorced from the quality of governance being experienced in the state, and the cordial relationship that exists between Gov Namadi and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Jigawa people are aware of the benefits derivable from such a partnership and leveraging it.
The mass deflection is a testament to a leadership that has placed service, inclusiveness, and transparency above personal or partisan gain.
Gov Namadi’s leadership philosophy, built on his 12-point development agenda, has redefined governance in Jigawa. His administration has shown that government can be both responsive and responsible, ensuring that every citizen feels the impact of development regardless of political affiliation.
The governor’s focus on human capital development, infrastructural renewal, and effective service delivery has restored confidence in the political process and inspired unity among the people.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Abdullahi Tsoho Garba, aptly captured this spirit of renewal when he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the welfare of citizens and the consolidation of the governor’s development agenda. His words echo the sentiments of many Jigawa residents who have witnessed firsthand the governor’s inclusive approach to governance.
Unlike the politics of exclusion and favouritism that often dominate state affairs elsewhere, Gov Namadi’s administration has opened its doors to all, offering a level playing field and a voice for every stakeholder in the development process.
Inclusiveness has become the hallmark of Gov Namadi’s political philosophy. He recognises that progress cannot be achieved in isolation and that every citizen—regardless of political leaning—has a role to play in building a better Jigawa. This openness has earned him not only the respect of his party members but also the admiration of those in the opposition who now see in him a leader genuinely committed to the collective good.
Moreover, the administration’s commitment to accountability has further strengthened public trust. Gov Namadi has consistently demonstrated that governance is a public trust, one that must be exercised with integrity and transparency. From prudent financial management to transparent project implementation, his government has made accountability a central pillar of its operations. In doing so, he has set a new benchmark for ethical leadership in the state.
The defectors themselves have made it clear that their decision was driven by the governor’s purposeful and people-oriented leadership. Speaking on behalf of the new entrants, Malam Danazumi Yakubu, the former PDP chairman of Sakwaya Ward, openly acknowledged that Governor Namadi’s realistic 12-point agenda and his achievements inspired their move to the APC. Yakubu added that the administration’s focus on genuine development and inclusivity made it clear that Jigawa’s future lies with the APC under Namadi’s stewardship.
This expression of confidence from key opposition figures, including PDP stakeholders such as Alhaji Garba Dankwashan (Sarkin Fawa), Ward Secretary, Abdulrahim Zobiya; Women Leader Hajiya Mariya, and Youth Leader, Kabiru Jidawa, speaks volumes about the credibility and magnetism of the governor’s leadership. It also shows that political maturity is taking root in Jigawa—where governance is judged not by slogans or sentiment, but by performance and integrity.
Gov Namadi’s people-centred policies have touched virtually every sector of life in Jigawa. His administration’s investments in education, healthcare, agriculture, and digital innovation have opened new opportunities for the youth and created a more inclusive economy. His efforts to modernise infrastructure—roads, schools, hospitals, and ICT facilities—are clear indicators of a leader with a long-term vision for sustainable development.
It is, therefore, no surprise that party supporters celebrated the mass defection with enthusiasm. The people of Jigawa are witnessing a transformation that transcends political boundaries. The governor’s approach has replaced divisive politics with a unifying sense of progress and shared destiny.
As more citizens from various political backgrounds join the APC, it becomes increasingly evident that the Namadi administration has become a rallying point for all who desire progress, peace, and prosperity. The presence of the APC national chairman, state governors, and prominent party chieftains at the event in Dutse Saturday, further underscores the significance of this political development and the growing influence of Gov Namadi on both the state and national stage.
In all, the ongoing wave of defections to the APC in Jigawa is not merely a political realignment—it is a public endorsement of Gov Umar Namadi’s leadership qualities. His inclusiveness, accountability, and people-centred governance have restored confidence in public administration and rekindled hope among the people. By fostering unity and prioritising the welfare of his citizens, Namadi has proven that leadership, when anchored on sincerity and service, can transform not only a political party but an entire state. Jigawa’s current trajectory under his watch is a model of what visionary, inclusive governance can achieve—a lesson for leaders across Nigeria.
Lawal Jet Kaugama, a commentator on national issues, writes from Kano