By Ahmed Rufa’i
The Babura town, headquarters of Babura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, witnessed an unusual surge of political activity at the weekend as former Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, returned home to formally receive his validated All Progressives Congress (APC) membership card, pledging renewed loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his second-term ambition.
The revalidation exercise took place at Babura Ward amid a massive turnout of party faithful and supporters, underscoring sustained grassroots backing for the APC in the state.
A statement issued by the former minister’s Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Comrade Mati Ali, and made available to journalists in Dutse, said the event marked the official presentation of Badaru’s membership card following the successful completion of his online registration and validation on the party’s platform.
According to the statement, Badaru arrived Babura shortly after returning from overseas, where he had travelled for medical attention.
Addressing party members after receiving the validated card, the former two-term governor of Jigawa State called for unity within the party and urged members to remain committed to the success of President Tinubu’s administration and future political engagements.
He also appealed to eligible Nigerians who were yet to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), as well as those seeking transfer of registration, to take advantage of the ongoing opportunity.
“This is the time to ensure you do not miss out. Without a voter card, you cannot participate in the electoral process,” he said.
Expressing delight at the large turnout, Badaru described the gathering as a clear signal of Jigawa State’s continued support for President Tinubu.
“I am extremely happy with your presence. This is a real justification that Jigawa State and Nigeria stand with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he added.
He commended the APC leadership at all levels for what he described as a seamless validation process, noting that Jigawa State remained among the leading states recording impressive figures in the ongoing membership registration exercise.
The former governor also thanked the people for their consistent love, solidarity and trust, urging them to remain patient and steadfast, with assurances that better days lie ahead.
He further appealed to residents to continue to live peacefully and remain law-abiding to sustain Jigawa’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the country.
Comrade Mati Ali described the event as a strong demonstration of unity and sustained grassroots support for the APC in Jigawa, further consolidating the party’s structure ahead of future political engagements.
Supporters from Babura across 27 local government areas in the state turned out in large numbers, reaffirming their loyalty to the party and support for the Badaru political movement.
The APC Chairman of Babura Ward, Alhaji Danbaba Tela Babura, handed the validated card to the Babura LGA APC Chairman, Alhaji Isha Ubale Giginya, who subsequently presented it to the former minister on behalf of the Jigawa State APC Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Sani Gumel.
The ceremony was witnessed by prominent party stakeholders, including the APC National Financial Secretary, Alhaji Bashir Usman Gumel; former Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Idris Garba Jahun; members of the State House of Assembly; former local government chairmen who served during Badaru’s tenure; Babura LGA APC executives; ward officials; and other party leaders from across the state.
