Fresh political manoeuvres by former Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, have reignited speculation in Jigawa State over a possible defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), despite his earlier public denials.
The renewed debate followed a series of cross-party consultations involving the former governor of Jigawa State, whose recent engagements with opposition figures have raised questions about his political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political watchers in the state say the speculation intensified after one of his loyalists, Zakari Kafin-Hausa, reposted a Facebook video in which Katsina-based cleric Yakubu Musa criticised the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Read also: Badaru denies defection rumour, reaffirms loyalty to APC
The cleric accused the Tinubu administration of favouring southern Nigeria despite the strong support it received from northern voters during the 2023 presidential election.
The controversy comes weeks after Badaru publicly dismissed claims that he planned to abandon the APC for the ADC, describing the reports as false and politically motivated. He had also reaffirmed his loyalty to the party and insisted he remained committed to its ideals.
However, recent meetings with prominent opposition figures have continued to fuel political speculation. The former minister recently held separate discussions with the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Jigawa, Mustapha Sule Lamido, as well as former governor Sule Lamido as well as ADC chieftain, Ubale Shitu.
Sources closed to the former minister noted that the meetings are politically significant given the long-standing rivalry between Badaru and Sule Lamido, dating back to a 2017 dispute that led to the latter’s brief detention.
Responding to the controversy, Badaru’s media aide, Mati Ali, said the consultations were part of broader efforts to build political consensus and mobilise support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, insisting that the former minister remains loyal to the APC.
Nevertheless, the engagements have continued to spark debate within Jigawa’s political circles, with observers suggesting they may signal early alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections
