Adamu Amadu, in Dutse writes on the test of loyalty and the struggle for the control of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State.
As the countdown to the 2027 general elections gathers pace, political activities across Nigeria are gradually intensifying. With the election timetable already released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the signing of the amended Electoral Act, the presidential and National Assembly polls are now less than a year away.
The development has spurred political parties into action as they step up internal preparations aimed at securing victory at the polls. Across the country, activities such as membership registration, revalidation exercises and congresses at ward, local government and state levels have become common features of party mobilisation.
In line with directives from its national secretariat, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has conducted congresses in many states, including Jigawa, where new party executives were affirmed through largely peaceful consensus arrangements at ward, local government and state levels.
Yet, beneath the surface of these organisational exercises lies a simmering internal tension within the party in Jigawa State. Political observers said the party is grappling with an undercurrent of rivalry believed to revolve around loyalties to two influential political figures in the state.
One camp is widely perceived to be aligned with the incumbent governor, Umar Namadi, who constitutionally serves as the leader of the party in the state. The other bloc is believed to maintain strong ties with the immediate past governor and current Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.
Even though Governor Namadi in an inaugural speech he delivered during the affirmation of the state executive committee at the Dutse City Stadium charged the newly inaugurated executive members of the party to uphold unity, justice and inclusiveness in order to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Namadi said enduring peace and cohesion within the party could only be sustained through fairness and equal access to opportunities for all members, irrespective of status or background.
According to him, the APC administration in Jigawa has consistently applied justice and inclusiveness both in governance and party affairs, a development he said has translated into visible unity, support and progress across the state. He added that: “You can see members of the APC from across the 27 local government areas gathered here today. This is a reflection of the unity we have built over time. We thank Almighty Allah, our elders and all party faithful for their understanding and support.”
Namadi explained that the congress process commenced at the ward level, progressed through the local government stage and culminated at the state level; all, by consensus, described it as a clear demonstration of the party’s internal democracy and peaceful disposition.
“All the exercises were conducted peacefully and in strict adherence to the party’s constitutional provisions. What happened today confirms that the APC in Jigawa remains one united family,” governor emphasised.
The new Jigawa State APC chairman, Hon. Ahmed Garba Maikudi, in his acceptance speech, pledged loyalty to the governor and vowed to strengthen the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 general elections. He also assured members that the APC in Jigawa would remain united and work towards delivering overwhelming support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
“We are determined to support the administration and ensure that the target of two million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 is not only met but surpassed,” Maikudi said.
He noted that Jigawa remains one of the states with a large membership base following the party’s recent registration and revalidation exercise.
The chairman, however, warned against acts capable of undermining party unity, stressing that appropriate measures would be taken against any member found engaging in anti-party activities.
Analysts note that discussions surrounding the conduct of the congresses and the emergence of party executive have exposed underlying tensions between the perceived factions. Post-congress debates among party members have further underscored the need for reconciliation and renewed internal cohesion.
It is against this backdrop that the emergence of Maikudi as the fourth chairman of the APC in Jigawa State on March 3 has raised fresh expectations among party faithful and political observers alike.
Many believed the new chairman will play a crucial role in consolidating unity and strengthening the party’s political machinery ahead of the 2027 elections.
The task is even more significant given Governor Namadi’s pledge to deliver two million votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next presidential poll.
Historically, the APC leadership in Jigawa has undergone several transitions. The pioneer chairman, Ado Sani Kiri, a former member of the House of Representatives representing Ringim/Taura Federal Constituency, resigned after contesting an election. His deputy, Habibu Sani Sara, briefly took over before Aminu Sani Gumel later emerged as chairman.
With the election of Maikudi, many analysts believed the party may have found a leader capable of navigating the internal complexities threatening its cohesion ahead of the next electoral cycle.
One political analyst, Comrade Ahmed Ilallah Hadejia, said the new chairman’s long experience in both legislative and executive responsibilities could prove crucial in managing the party’s internal dynamics.
Garba Maikudi began his political career in the Jigawa State House of Assembly, where he served several terms and rose to the position of Deputy Speaker. He later served as Special Adviser on political matters and as commissioner in the state government.
According to Hadejia, this blend of legislative exposure, executive experience and party involvement equips the new chairman with the political skills needed to rebuild confidence among party members.
“Although he is an experienced politician who has served in different capacities, the real test now lies in how he manages the divisions within the party,” the analyst noted.
Hadejia maintained that challenges before the new chairman include restoring party discipline and unity. One of the most pressing tasks will be managing internal divisions among party members. The perceived rivalry between supporters of Governor Namadi and those loyal to former governor Badaru has occasionally created tension within party circles.
He added that rebuilding trust among long-standing party members must be given attention in addressing grievances from party leaders and supporters who claim to have played significant roles in building the party since 2014. Some of them argued that they have been sidelined in the current political structure.
Observers also pointed to a decline in the culture of political respect and decorum in recent years. Critics said political debates, particularly on social media, sometimes degenerate into personal attacks that undermine party unity.
Encouraging discipline and constructive engagement among party members, especially the youth, will therefore remain an important responsibility for the new leadership.
Another challenge the party needed to tackle in Jigawa State is the expectations of political reward. All supporters often expect recognition or opportunities after contributing to electoral victories. Managing these expectations while maintaining fairness and party cohesion will be another delicate task for the chairman.
Finally, the growing influence of social media in political mobilisation presents both opportunities and challenges. While online activism can strengthen political engagement, unregulated commentary can also fuel misunderstanding and internal conflict, Illah emphasised.
Effective engagement with young media influencers within the party may, therefore, become an important strategy for maintaining cohesion.
As the countdown to the 2027 elections continues, the ability of Ahmed Garba Maikudi to address these challenges may determine not only the unity of the APC in Jigawa State but also its electoral fortunes in the years ahead.