Yobe ADC Structure, Pro-Atiku Group Dump Opposition for APC

Yobe ADC Structure, Pro-Atiku Group Dump Opposition for APC

 By Njadvara Musa, Damaturu

A major political shift is unfolding in Yobe State as members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) across the 17 local government areas of the state, alongside the Arewa Strategic Implementation Group for Atiku (ASIGA), have resolved to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Leaders and supporters of the two groups attended a political gathering in Damaturu on Saturday, where they made the announcement.

The coalition, led by Abubakar Garzali, called on Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim Jawa to spearhead the mass movement into the APC, describing him as a key figure who built one of the strongest opposition structures in Yobe during the 2023 general elections.

The groups said their decision followed widespread consultations across the state and was influenced by what they described as persistent leadership disputes and legal uncertainties within the ADC at the national level.

According to the defectors, the political realignment also reflects their desire to support the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and align with what they termed the prevailing national political direction.

ASIGA, which was originally established to support the 2023 presidential ambition of Atiku Abubakar, formally announced the abandonment of its previous political objective in favour of backing the APC-led federal government.

The groups praised the administration of Mai Mala Buni for maintaining peace, political stability, infrastructural development, youth empowerment, and inclusive governance in the state.

They also acknowledged the role of former Yobe governor and current minister of police affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, for what they described as his fatherly guidance and contributions to the political growth of the state.

In addition, the coalition declared support for Baba Malam Wali as its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship succession project in Yobe, saying his emergence would ensure continuity, stability, and sustainable development.

Responding to the resolution, Prof. Jawa, who also serves as the Founder and National Coordinator of ASIGA, accepted the decision by the two groups to join the APC.

He commended members of the APC in Yobe for their political maturity, patriotism and strategic thinking, noting that the movement must evolve in line with current national realities.

Prof. Jawa stated that after wider consultations across Northern Nigeria, the group concluded that national interest requires “constructive support and partnership” with the APC-led administration under President Tinubu.

He therefore formally endorsed political alignment with the ruling party, describing it as a strategic step aimed at advancing the interests of Yobe State and the country at large.