By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Dutse
Jigawa gvernor, Umar Namadi, on Sunday, held a high-level parley with his political appointees at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Dutse, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and consolidate the progress recorded by his administration, ahead the 2027 general elections.
The meeting, described as part of routine consultations, brought together key stakeholders across the state to deliberate on governance, party cohesion, and strategies for sustaining development in Jigawa State.
It was also designed as a move towards ensuring all-round victory for the All Progressive Congress (APC), during the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on the purpose of the meeting, Governor Namadi emphasized the critical timing, stating that the state is gradually approaching another election cycle and that the gathering was convened to unite all political stakeholders—ranging from the executive and legislative arms to party officials and appointees—towards a common goal.
“This is a crucial time for us. We are approaching elections, and it is important to bring all stakeholders together to ensure that the party remains intact and focused,” the governor stated.
He noted that the meeting included the full spectrum of party structure, including state executives, local government party chairmen, and secretaries, all aimed at fostering dialogue and strengthening internal cohesion.
Governor Namadi disclosed that a committee has been set up to engage with the grassroots, reconcile aggrieved members, and mobilize support ahead of the 2027 general elections. He added that Jigawa State remains a key state of interest at the national level, and efforts must be made to justify the confidence reposed in it.
“We want to ensure that the confidence placed in Jigawa State is sustained. That is why we have brought everyone together—to strategize, reconcile, and mobilize effectively,” he said.
The governor commended the increasing number of people joining the party, stressing the need to effectively manage such growth to maintain unity and stability.
He also expressed appreciation to all political appointees for their dedication and contributions to the development of the state.
“Many of you accepted these appointments not for personal gain, but out of commitment and a desire to advance the development of Jigawa State. Each of you is contributing in your own capacity, and we are deeply grateful for these efforts. Your contributions have played a significant role in the success of this administration,” he added.
Reaffirming the shared political identity of all present, the governor stressed that the focus of the APC in the state must remain the development of Jigawa, as he called for greater unity, teamwork, and a stronger collective front to ensure electoral success in the future.
“All of us here belong to the APC, and therefore our focus must be one: the development of Jigawa State. We have no other priority beyond this,” he added.
Governor Namadi also urged appointees to use their positions to uplift the less privileged and support party members, saying that leadership is about service and impact rather than personal gain.
According to him, “it is not about what you stand to gain; finding yourself in a position where you can contribute to the development of society is, in itself, something to be proud of and to thank God for.”
The governor warned that the party would henceforth closely monitor members’ conduct to ensure loyalty and commitment to the state’s development agenda.
“From now on, the party will closely observe its members to identify those who are deviating and those who are not contributing to the development of Jigawa State,” he said.
Addressing reports of defections from the APC, Governor Namadi downplayed the significance, asserting that those who leave the party under the current circumstances are better off outside, as their continued presence could undermine internal trust.
He also called for sustained sensitization efforts to encourage citizens to renew their party membership and obtain voter cards, noting with pride that Jigawa State continues to lead in party registration nationwide.
On political ambitions, the governor reminded aspirants that leadership is ultimately determined by God, urging them to approach the process with humility and acceptance.
“Power belongs to God; He grants it to whomever He wills. Therefore, anyone aspiring to contest should be mindful that it is God who gives power. If granted, thank God; if not, also thank God—one should wait for another opportunity. It is not a do-or-die affair. We will strive to ensure fairness,” the governor stated.
In his remarks, the State Chairman of the APC, Ahmed Garba MK, commended Governor Namadi for the numerous developmental projects executed across the state, describing them as strong campaign assets for the party.
“Your Excellency, on behalf of the APC, we consistently express our pride in you. You have provided us with many tangible achievements—especially those we present during campaign periods. There is nowhere we go where we are unable to speak, feel ashamed, or hesitate to meet the people. The support you have given to the party makes it incumbent upon us to thank you and to further encourage you,” he said.
The meeting was attended by the deputy governor, the speaker of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, members of the State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, as well as technical and senior special advisers, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, and politically appointed heads of ministries, departments, and agencies.
Meanwhile, Governor Namadi also inaugurated mobilization Committees across the state for the 2027 general elections.
He has taken a crucial step to reinforce party cohesion and grassroots engagement with the inauguration of political mobilisation committees across the state.
The move was announced at the end of a high-level meeting comprising of political appointees and elected officials held at Government House, Dutse.
Present at the meeting were the Deputy Governor, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers from the State Assembly, Local Government Chairmen, Technical and Senior Special Advisers, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, as well as heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Governor Namadi explained that the objective is to consolidate the strength of the party and keep its structures active and united.
“This committee will go around to talk to all the party members in the state to ensure that the party is intact,” he said.
The committees were inaugurated at the state, local government and ward levels.
At the State level, the committee comprises: Governor Namadi — Chairman; State Party Chairman — Co-Chairman; Deputy Governor — Member; Rt. Hon Speaker — Member; Secretary to the State Government – Member; Chief of Staff to the Governor -Member; All Senators — Members.
The Governor emphasized that while the party remains stable, reconnecting with the people remains essential.
“We know the party is intact, but we need to go back to the people again, talk to them, and try to explain to them what the government is doing to them, so that at least people will continue to add more confidence on the government,” he said.
He added that the committees will actively engage stakeholders across the board.
“So this committee will meet all the stakeholders, those who feel aggrieved, talk to them and bring them back to the fold. Those who are not active, bring them, let them be active,” he stated.
He further linked the initiative to preparations for the 2027 general elections.
“That is why we want this committee to go and talk to the people, reconcile, contact and mobilize people so that ahead of the 2027 general election,” he said.
The Terms of Reference guiding the committees include strengthening party stability, mobilizing support through consultation and outreach, ensuring continuous voter and party membership registration, identifying challenges, and maintaining cordial relationships across all levels.
