The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s political camp have suffered a setback in Gombe State following the defection of a prominent party member and staunch Atiku supporter to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Alhaji Mohammed Danjuma, popularly known as Garkuwa Babba, a former House of Representatives aspirant on the platform of the ADC, announced his resignation from the party on Monday and immediately joined the APC with his grassroots political structure.
In a letter dated September 7, 2026, and addressed to the ADC Chairman of Herwagana Ward, Danjuma said his decision followed consultations and careful consideration of his political aspirations.
“The decision has been made after due diligence, wider consultation and careful consideration of my personal conviction and future political aspirations,” he stated.
While appreciating the ADC for the opportunities and experience he gained during his time in the party, Danjuma declared: “I have decided to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) with immediate effect.”
Receiving Danjuma at the Gombe Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, Governor Inuwa Yahaya welcomed the development, describing it as a boost to the ruling party in the state.
“This is a significant boost to the APC,” Yahaya said.
The governor welcomed Garkuwa Babba and his supporters into the APC, reaffirming his commitment to building an inclusive and united party.
He stressed the importance of unity, loyalty and collective effort in advancing the interests of Gombe State, saying the APC remained open to individuals and groups committed to a peaceful, stable and prosperous state.
Yahaya said Danjuma’s experience, political network and grassroots reach would be valuable to the party, while calling for greater cohesion among APC members and stakeholders.
According to him, the strength of the APC lies in its ability to accommodate diverse interests while maintaining a common commitment to the development of Gombe State.
‘Yahaya’s performance attracted me’
Earlier, Danjuma attributed his decision to join the APC largely to the performance and leadership of Governor Yahaya.
He commended the governor’s development initiatives across the state, arguing that the administration’s achievements had strengthened public confidence in the APC.
“The Governor’s record of delivering tangible development had strengthened public confidence in the APC and significantly diminished the appeal of the opposition among the electorate,” Danjuma said.
He described his defection as a deliberate decision to support continuity, stability and further development in Gombe State.
Danjuma was received by Governor Yahaya alongside the APC governorship candidate, Dr Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna, and a party chieftain and philanthropist, Engr Aliyu Mohammed Combat.
