Jigawa By-Election Drama Unfolds: NNPP’s Sabo Battles APC’s Garki for Reps Seat

Following the passing of Hon. Isa Dogon Yaro on May 9, 2024, both the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have held primary elections in preparation for the August 16, 2025, by-election for the Garki/Babura Federal Constituency seat in Jigawa State. The Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier fixed the date for the crucial poll, triggering intense political maneuvering within the two major parties.

According to IREPORTER ONLINE, the NNPP conducted its primary at its Babura local government secretariat, where party delegates voted overwhelmingly for Salisu Sabo, who secured 114 votes. Declared winner by Chief Returning Officer Muhammad Gako, Sabo pledged to collaborate with party members and constituents to promote secondary education and urged voters to choose candidates based on merit and capacity, not sentiment.

Meanwhile, the APC primary took place at the Duplex in Babura on the same day. In a contest that party officials described as peaceful and transparent, Rabiu Garki emerged victorious with 110 votes. The chairman of the APC Primary Election Committee, Ismaila Gadaka, confirmed the results and praised the conduct of the exercise.

In his victory speech, Garki expressed gratitude to Governor Umar Namadi and APC stakeholders, promising to prioritize youth employment and initiate job-creating programs that would uplift local livelihoods. His remarks, IREPORTER ONLINE notes, reflect the growing concern among constituents about economic sustainability and empowerment opportunities in the region.

ACCORDING TO IREPORTER ONLINE, the outcome of the primaries has set the stage for what is expected to be a heated contest between two candidates who have already begun outlining bold agendas for development. As the political tension in Jigawa intensifies, the August by-election is shaping up to be more than a mere electoral event—it could be a referendum on the political direction of the region.