Former Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has denied reports suggesting that he is planning to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the claims as false and speculative.
The denial follows growing rumours in Jigawa State linking Badaru to a possible exit from the All Progressives Congress (APC) amid internal disagreements within the party.
Party sources say the speculation may be connected to the ongoing political rift between Badaru and Governor Umar Namadi, his successor, which has fuelled tensions within the APC structure in the state.
According to insiders, some supporters of the former governor believe they have been sidelined in both government appointments and party decision-making since the transition of power.
Observations from recent APC meetings and political activities in Jigawa indicate that the internal strains have sparked talk of possible defections, with some members reportedly exploring alternative political platforms.
However, Badaru moved quickly to shut down the rumours, a signal that he may be seeking to calm tensions and reaffirm his standing within the party.
In a statement personally signed by him and released to journalists on Tuesday through his media aide, Mati Ali, the former minister dismissed the defection reports as unfounded.
“I categorically state that the report is entirely false, unfounded, and a product of political mischief,” Badaru said.
He stressed that he remains fully committed to the APC, noting that he is one of the party’s founding members.
“My loyalty to the party remains absolute and unwavering,” he added.
Badaru urged party members and the general public to disregard the reports, insisting that he has no plans to leave the APC.
“I remain a dedicated member of the party and have no intention whatsoever of leaving the APC,” he said.
From my experience tracking intra-party disputes and political realignments, early denials often reflect an attempt to contain internal divisions before they escalate. Using party activity monitoring, stakeholder mapping, and historical defection patterns, Jigawa’s APC appears to be at a delicate stage where reconciliation may determine whether the rift widens or stabilises ahead of future elections.
For now, Badaru’s public stance suggests a preference for internal resolution rather than political realignment.
