Jada PDP Remains Intact Despite Defections—Chairman
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jada Local Government Area has firmly denied reports suggesting the collapse of its political structure following recent defections to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement released on Friday and signed by the council chairman in Jada, Salihu Mohammed, the party dismissed the claims as baseless and described the defectors as “paperweight politicians” whose departure has had no bearing on the strength or unity of the PDP in the area.
This comes in response to the recent defection of a few former PDP members — including ex-Youth and Women Leaders and a former Council Chairman, Ahmadu Babalele, alongside Kawuyo, Umaru, Babangida, and others — to the ADC. Their move was celebrated in some quarters as a significant political shift, sparking speculations of a structural collapse within the PDP.
However, Salihu Mohammed maintained that the PDP remains “solid and united” across all eleven wards in Jada, stressing that the defectors had long distanced themselves from party activities.
“The attention of the Jada Local Government Executive Committee has been drawn to videos and social media reports of the defection of Babalele and others to the ADC,” the statement read.
“As much as politics is about personal interest, and they have followed theirs, we wish them well. However, the claim that they have collapsed the PDP structure in Jada is laughable and can only be described as a comic remark.”
Mohammed further criticised Babalele for allegedly abandoning his role within the PDP during critical campaign periods, stating that his absence from party activities for an extended period disqualified him from making credible statements about the current state of the party.
“Babalele has not attended any party meeting in a long time. He abandoned his official responsibilities and cannot speak for the PDP structure in Jada,” he added.
Reaffirming the party’s support for Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and his Fresh Air administration, Mohammed said the PDP in Jada remains “unwavering” and committed to grassroots development and political engagement.
He also accused the defectors of working against the PDP during the last general elections, suggesting their move to the ADC was simply a return to their “paymasters”.
Despite the defections, Mohammed assured supporters that the PDP remains electorally viable in Adamawa State:
“One may ask, can a party whose structure has supposedly collapsed be fielding candidates across all levels for an election? The answer is clear,” he stated.
He urged party members and loyalists to stay focused and united, assuring them that the current leadership remains committed to strengthening the party at all levels.
“We are focused on rebuilding the PDP into an even stronger and winning force in Jada,” Mohammed said, while cautioning the defectors to be mindful of their public statements regarding the party.