APC Group Slams Fake Defection Claims Against Former Defence Minister Badaru

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Integrity Group in Jigawa State has dismissed as baseless claims that former Defence Minister and ex-governor Badaru Abubakar has defected from the party.

In a press statement yesterday, the group’s Convener, Comrade Auwal Gumel, rejected what they called “endless lies” targeting the former governor by his detractors.

“This is yet another scheme to discredit His Excellency Badaru and turn him against his boss, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Badaru has no political enemies in Jigawa or beyond he has never attacked smeared, or trashed anyone—unlike his haters.”

“These lies come from detractors scared of Badaru’s massive influence. Badaru builds people and institutions. Hate him or love him, he’s instrumental and worked to the coming of this administration and its wins nationwide”

Recalling the ex-minister political trajectory in Nigeria and the state, Gumel noted how Badaru handpicked the current governor, Umar Namadi—first as Finance Commissioner, then deputy, and finally as successor.

“It is an established norm in Namadi’s government that appointments and favours go to those who trash Badaru’s name, in the media and other spaces or platforms, Comrade Gumel lamented.

“The lies and misinformation around Badaru spiked even when he was abroad on a private trip shortly after resigning as minister.

“Let it be known, Badaru is going nowhere. He nurtured APC and won’t ditch it for jobbers. His loyalty to the APC and Tinubu is rock-solid—2027 will prove it.”

The statement revealed how Badaru delivered big in 2023, “securing over 25 per cent of votes for Tinubu as governor. Now, he’s realigning politics – visiting elders like former Governor Sule Lamido and other notable politicians to secure another victory for Tinubu’s re-election bid.”