Ex PDP House of Reps candidate, supporters join APC in Jigawa

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections for Ringim/Taura Federal Constituency, Hon. Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu, has defected to the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC), along with his supporters.
Hon. Gujungu had earlier tendered his resignation letter to the PDP and had not stated his decision to join any political party.
Gujungu officially announced his defection at an APC gathering held in his hometown, Gujungu Town, in Taura Local Government Area.
Receiving the decampees on behalf of the governor, Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Hon Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, said the party is ready to welcome opposition members into its fold.
He noted that the recent mass defection of opposition party members is a result of the good policies and programmes of the party at both national and state levels.
He, therefore, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umar Namadi for the effective implementation of people-oriented policies under the APC-led administration.
The Speaker, however, welcomed Hon. Gujungu and his followers into the APC fold as a major boost to the party’s strength in Ringim/Taura Federal Constituency.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu said his decision to join the APC was driven by his desire to contribute to and benefit from the developmental strides being recorded by the APC-led governments at both the state and federal levels.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Osun State Chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, Accord said it observed with concern a graphic circulated on social media attributed to Oke, which called on INEC to withdraw the party’s registration.
The Party described the move as a calculated attempt to mislead the electoral body and compel it to take what it termed an unlawful action against Accord.
According to the statement, “the alleged call for deregistration was aimed at preventing Governor Ademola Adeleke from contesting the Osun governorship election scheduled for August 8, 2026, on the platform of Accord.”
Accord maintained that it remained a fully registered political party that has complied with all constitutional and statutory requirements under the Electoral Act.
“Accord has consistently participated in elections across Nigeria and has met, and even exceeded, the conditions required of registered political parties,” the statement said.
The party while dismissing claims that it was liable to deregistration, describing them as unfounded, misleading and urged members and supporters in Osun State to remain calm and focused.
“The alleged campaign should not distract them from their political objectives.
“Instead of allowing such claims to unsettle our supporters, we urge them to remain composed and committed, pending an appropriate response at the right time,” the statement added.
Accord also called on Oke to desist from attempts to associate the party with controversy and political disputes.
The party urged the lawmaker to focus on his legislative responsibilities to constituents in the Obokun–Oriade Federal Constituency.
Reaffirming its legal status, Akande stated, “The party remains solidly registered, legally grounded and firmly rooted among the people.”
Oke who represents Ijesa South (Obokun/Oriade) Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives had posted on social media that, “INEC should de-register Accord Party now. The Party has no elected officials into any office in Nigeria. Sections 225A & 84 (16) of the Electoral Act 2022 authorize INEC to deregister political parties like Accord for non-performance.”

Since the post was made on his Facebook page on Saturday, it has sparked reactions across the different political parties.
The personality of the poster and the fact that Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party added weight to the post.