Popular Ex-Speaker Dumps APC; Gives Reason

Popular Ex-Speaker Dumps APC; Gives Reason

Former Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly and serving member representing Jahun State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Idris Garba Kareka, has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Kareka announced his defection at a well-attended political rally held in Jahun town, where he formally joined the opposition party and declared his intention to seek re-election to continue representing the constituency in the state assembly.

Addressing supporters at the rally, the two-term speaker said his decision to leave the APC was informed by the need to protect the interests of his constituents and promote the development of Jahun Local Government Area.

He accused the ruling APC of what he described as imposition, dictatorship and injustice in its recent political activities, particularly in Jigawa State.

Kareka pledged to remain committed to the welfare and development of the people of Jahun, assuring them of quality representation if re-elected.

“I will continue to provide effective representation and work for the progress of our people if you entrust me with another mandate, just as you did during my previous three terms,” he said.

Kareka served as Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly from 2015 to 2023 before handing over to Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin following the 2023 elections.

Political observers believe his exit from the APC followed disagreements over the party’s nomination process ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former Speaker was subsequently received into the PDP and granted the party’s ticket to contest for the Jahun State Constituency seat in the next election.