The political scene in Jigawa State is witnessing a major shift, with Governor Umar Namadi now openly showing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term bid after months of silence.
For months, Namadi had anchored his citizens’ engagement programmes strictly on state-level issues — service delivery, local governance, and development — without a direct mention of the president. This approach had sparked speculations over Jigawa’s loyalty within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), especially as other northern states openly identified with Tinubu.
But the tide changed after loyalists of former governor and current Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, began staging events across the state to mobilise for Tinubu’s 2027 ambition.
The gatherings, held in different communities, carried strong pro-Tinubu messages that many observers interpreted as a subtle challenge to Namadi’s political positioning.
The development appeared to put pressure on Namadi, who at the 20th Citizens’ Engagement in Roni Local Government broke from his approach. In an unusual twist, the governor joined his supporters in singing and dancing to songs praising Tinubu, echoing the “Omologo” chants associated with the president’s loyalists.
Analysts say the symbolism was clear — a governor who had carefully avoided the succession debate was now tilting in favour of Tinubu.
“This move shows Namadi does not want to be isolated politically,” a Jigawa-based journalist said, preferring not to be named. “What you are seeing is a survival strategy. Both Namadi and Badaru are competing to show who is more loyal to Tinubu, and in the end, that competition strengthens Tinubu’s base in the state.”
However, some political watchers warn that the sudden chorus of loyalty may be more about political expediency than genuine conviction. Ignoring Tinubu, they argue, could prove risky for Namadi at the national level, while embracing him ensures his relevance in both state and federal politics.
For now, the message from Jigawa APC is clear: rather than fracture Tinubu’s chances, the party’s internal contest is turning into a stronger push for the president’s second term bid.