WATCH THE VIDEO HERE No fewer than 216 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gagarawa local government area of Jigawa State. The defectors were formally received into the APC during a “Citizens and Government Engagement Forum” held at the local government headquarters. The event was attended by the state governor, Malam Umar Namadi, and other top government officials. At the occasion, Governor Namadi explained that the forum was established to allow the electorate to hear about the government’s achievements over the past two years and its plans. It also allows citizens to voice their demands and challenges for prompt government intervention. Governor Namadi emphasised that the forum is open to all Jigawa citizens, regardless of political affiliation, and that his administration is always ready to listen to genuine complaints and constructive criticism. He reiterated his government’s commitment to implementing projects and programmes to improve people’s lives and ensure a prosperous and great Jigawa State. During the event, six commissioners from various ministries presented a list of projects executed in the area under Governor Namadi’s administration. These included road construction, empowerment programmes, renovation and completion of health facilities, such as the Gagarawa General Hospital, which is now ready for commissioning. Also, employment opportunities, scholarships, classroom construction and renovation, women’s empowerment, and welfare initiatives were executed in the area, among other things. Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Malam Habibu Dangodo handed over their membership list to the Jigawa State APC chairman, Hon. Aminu Sani Gumel. Dangodo explained that their decision to join the APC was inspired by Governor Namadi’s purposeful and visionary leadership, which has renewed hope for a better life filled with opportunities and prosperity. “Governor Namadi’s leadership has convinced us that the APC truly means well for Gagarawa local government and Jigawa State. We felt it necessary to join hands in building a modern, prosperous, and greater Jigawa,” Dangodo stated.