The political atmosphere in Jigawa State is heating up as Governor Umar Namadi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) boldly declared that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is on the brink of political extinction in the state. Speaking at a government-citizen engagement event tagged Gwamnati Da Jama’a held in Dutse Local Government Area, Namadi said APC is poised to reclaim all National Assembly seats lost to the PDP in the 2023 general elections.
Addressing a large crowd of supporters and stakeholders, the governor stated that the achievements of the APC-led administration both at the federal and state levels have significantly transformed the lives of Jigawa residents, restoring their confidence in the ruling party.
“The people of Buji/Birnin Kudu, Dutse/Kiyawa, and the entire Jigawa Central Senatorial Zone now realise that voting for the PDP in 2023 was a mistake. They have seen no impact from their elected lawmakers and are determined to correct that error in 2027,” Namadi stated.
Governor Namadi, who assumed office in 2023, has focused his administration on grassroots development, economic empowerment, and infrastructure revitalization. He said these priorities have resonated strongly with the people, particularly in rural communities where past governments failed to meet expectations.
He emphasized that APC’s people-centered governance model, effective project delivery, and fiscal transparency have endeared the party to more citizens in Jigawa.
“Our performance is our scorecard. We are not asking for blind loyalty — we are earning the people’s trust by delivering tangible results,” he said.
Namadi noted that the renewed commitment from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to complete key infrastructural projects in Jigawa is a clear sign that the APC remains committed to inclusive national development. Among the major projects he mentioned are:
The Greater Dutse Water Supply Project, which promises to resolve long-standing water scarcity in the state capital.
Continued construction on the strategic Maradi-Dutse rail line, aimed at boosting trade and regional connectivity.
The re-award of the Kano-Maiduguri expressway, which traverses parts of Jigawa and remains vital to the state’s economic growth.
“These projects are not just promises; they are actively underway and being monitored to ensure timely delivery,” he added.
Namadi did not mince words in criticizing PDP lawmakers currently representing the state in the National Assembly. He accused them of underperformance and political absenteeism, stating that constituents have lost patience with what he described as their “failed promises and lack of visibility.”
Political observers in the state have echoed similar sentiments, noting that PDP’s electoral success in 2023 was largely due to protest votes against the APC rather than a strong PDP campaign. The tide now appears to be turning.
The Gwamnati Da Jama’a initiative, which brought the governor face-to-face with local residents, traditional rulers, youth leaders, and women groups, was designed to foster open dialogue between the government and the people. Attendees praised the governor’s accessibility and responsiveness.
A participant, Hajiya Hadiza Musa, a market leader from Dutse, said, “This is the first time we are seeing a governor come down to listen directly to our needs. We now believe our votes matter and our voices count.”
Namadi assured the people that his administration would continue to operate an open-door policy, and that the focus for the remainder of his term would be to consolidate gains, improve education and healthcare delivery, and create more job opportunities for youth.
Political analysts believe Governor Namadi’s statements are part of a broader APC strategy to regain dominance in regions temporarily lost to the opposition. Dr. Usman Zakar, a political science lecturer at Federal University Dutse, said:
“The APC in Jigawa is well-positioned to sweep the 2027 polls if they can maintain this momentum. The governor is taking early steps to reconnect with the electorate, and that gives him a significant advantage.”
However, PDP officials in the state have dismissed Namadi’s remarks as “empty propaganda.” In a brief response, a PDP local chairman from Birnin Kudu accused the APC of politicizing development and said the opposition remains “resilient and ready” for 2027.
As the 2027 general elections draw closer, Governor Namadi’s strong words signal an aggressive political comeback by the APC in Jigawa. Whether the PDP can withstand the rising wave of discontent and reclaim its lost relevance remains to be seen. But for now, the battle line is drawn — and the ruling party appears ready for a fight.