A political controversy has emerged in Jigawa State after an aide to Governor Umar Namadi urged associates to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against a former local government chairman who recently left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Muhammad Salisu Seeker, Special Adviser to the governor on Student Affairs, made the remark in a Facebook post on March 14 following the resignation of Zahraddeen Abubakar, the former chairman of Gwaram Local Government Area.
In the post, written in Hausa, Seeker called on his associates to gather documents related to Abubakar and submit them to the EFCC, suggesting that action should begin with the former council boss.
Abubakar had earlier announced his resignation from the APC in a letter dated February 28, addressed to the party’s ward chairman in Zandam Nagogo Ward. In the letter, he said his decision followed concerns that the party had gradually moved away from the ideals upon which it was founded.
The former council chairman, who noted that his involvement with the progressive political movement predated the formation of the APC in 2013, said he decided to step aside after reflecting on the party’s current direction.
Copies of the resignation letter were also sent to the APC leadership in Gwaram Local Government Area and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in the area.
Seeker’s comments have since sparked criticism, with observers suggesting the statement appeared to encourage the use of anti-corruption agencies to target political opponents after they leave the ruling party.