A major wave of defections has swept through the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Jigawa State, with prominent politicians and their supporters formally crossing over to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The state capital, Dutse, was the centre of attraction on Sunday as thousands of supporters gathered to welcome two-term Senator Sabo Nakudu, who dumped the APC to join the ADC. Nakudu, who represented Jigawa South-West Senatorial District and chaired the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) during the 9th National Assembly, was received with fanfare by ADC leaders and loyalists. The former senator had resigned from the APC on Friday before making his move to the ADC official on Sunday. He contested against Governor Umar Namadi in the 2023 APC governorship primaries and is now widely expected to fly the ADC flag in the 2027 governorship race. Sources close to him say he has already begun quiet consultations with key stakeholders across the state. Speaking after receiving his ADC membership card, Nakudu expressed gratitude to his supporters. “I am grateful to my supporters for turning out en masse to receive me into my new party,” he said. “I promise to work towards a greater Jigawa and the country at large.” Also linked to the ADC is Aminu Ringim, a three-time governorship candidate in the state. Ringim, who ran under the PDP in 2015 and 2019 and under the NNPP in 2023, is a known protégé of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. He is expected to formally announce his defection to the ADC at a similar event in his hometown soon. Present at Sunday’s colourful reception was Senator Ubale Shittu, who previously represented Jigawa North-East Senatorial District in the 8th Assembly, first under the PDP before moving to the APC. Jigawa State ADC Coordinator, Ahmad Gumel, described the influx as a major boost for the party. He praised Nakudu’s wealth of experience and said the defections were a clear sign of the ADC’s growing strength in the state. ADC chieftain Bashir Jumbo echoed the sentiment, welcoming the new members and pledging equal opportunities for all. “We pledge equal opportunities within the party structure,” he said. “We must take over power in 2027 by the grace of God.” However, the PDP and APC were quick to downplay the development. PDP Public Relations Officer in the state, Umar Kyari, dismissed the defectors as “a group of political jokers seeking relevance.” Speaking to ReportNaija on Monday via telephone, Kyari challenged the ADC to test its popularity at the polls. “If they want to test their power, come out and contest — we’ll show them what politics is,” he said. APC spokesperson Bashir Kundu also reacted, describing the moves as driven by personal interests rather than the public good. “They’re chasing personal interests, not the public good,” Kundu said. He expressed confidence that Governor Namadi’s performance would continue to attract support to the APC. “In politics, you relate with anyone and can be left by anyone,” he added. Efforts by ReportNaija to get a reaction from the NNPP proved unsuccessful as calls to party officials went unanswered. Political observers say the latest defections could significantly reshape the political landscape in Jigawa ahead of the 2027 elections, with the ADC emerging as a serious contender. ReportNaija will continue to monitor developments and bring you updates as more politicians join the fold.