In a significant political shakeup, former Minister of Police Affairs and two-time Yobe governorship candidate Adamu Maina Waziri has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing constitutional requirements as he submitted his membership card at Dogotebo Ward in Potiskum Local Government Area.
Waziri, a long-standing PDP stalwart, described the decision as “painful” but necessary, signaling a potential exodus of supporters. “This primary school where I submitted my resignation is older than me—it shows the depth of my ties to this community,” he remarked, hinting at plans to mobilize local party officials to join his next move.
The defection wave extended to Zainab Boni-Haruna, wife of former Adamawa Governor Boni Haruna and a Yobe native, who announced her PDP exit at Kukar Gadu in Fika LGA. She immediately declared for the nascent African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, rebranded as “Sabuwar Tafiya” (New Journey), urging grassroots backing for “leaders who prioritize good governance.”
New Coalition Gains Momentum
The ADC, though barely a week old, is emerging as a refuge for disaffected politicians—particularly from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—ahead of the 2027 elections. Analysts view the defections as early tremors in Yobe’s political landscape, where the PDP has struggled to dislodge the APC’s dominance.
Waziri’s departure deals a symbolic blow to the opposition PDP, given his ministerial pedigree and repeated gubernatorial bids. His cryptic reference to “joining us in the near future” fuels speculation of an imminent alliance with the ADC or another platform.
Broader Implications
The resignations underscore growing disillusionment with mainstream parties in Nigeria’s Northeast, with the ADC coalition positioning itself as an alternative. Boni-Haruna’s call for mass defections suggests an aggressive recruitment strategy targeting APC and PDP strongholds alike.
Neither PDP nor APC officials have publicly reacted, but the moves could trigger realignments in Yobe and neighboring states. As the 2027 election cycle approaches, the ADC’s ability to consolidate these defections into a viable force will test Nigeria’s opposition dynamics.