A major political shift has occurred in Jigawa State with the surprising defeat of long-serving federal lawmaker Hon. Sa’idu Yusuf Miga in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the 2027 general elections. Miga, who has represented the Jahun/Miga Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives since 2003, lost the party’s nomination during the APC primaries held on Saturday, marking the end of his nearly 20-year tenure in the National Assembly.
Miga initially entered the House of Representatives under the platform of the now-defunct New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) before switching to the APC during the 2014 merger that formed the ruling party. He was re-elected in 2015, 2019, and 2023, solidifying his status as one of the most enduring lawmakers from Jigawa State. However, his political influence began to wane amid rising discontent among constituents over perceived neglect and lack of visible development in his constituency.
Reports indicate that many residents in Jahun and Miga Local Government Areas have grown frustrated with what they describe as poor representation and minimal infrastructure projects. Critics also pointed to his legislative record, noting that he had not sponsored any major bills since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in June 2023. This lack of legislative activity further fueled public dissatisfaction, especially among youth groups who felt their concerns were being ignored.
The frustration reached a peak earlier this month when a coalition of youths, under the banner “Jahun Ina Muka Dosa,” organized a peaceful protest demanding Miga’s replacement. The group, led by youth leaders Shamsu Sulaiman Alafin, Nura Wada, and Comrade Muhammad Khamisu Harbo, formally presented their grievances to both the APC leadership and Governor Umar Namadi. They accused the lawmaker of failing to address critical issues such as youth unemployment, poor road networks, and general underdevelopment in the constituency.
“We need a more active and result-oriented representative who understands the needs of the people,” one of the youth leaders stated during the protest, reflecting the broader sentiment among constituents. The APC’s decision to replace Miga with Hon. Umar Imam signals a clear response to this grassroots pressure and a shift toward a more youth-engaged and development-focused approach in the constituency.
Imam, the new APC candidate for the Jahun/Miga Federal Constituency, will now contest the 2027 general elections on the party’s platform. His emergence is seen as a fresh start for the constituency, with hopes that he will prioritize infrastructure, youth empowerment, and legislative accountability. The outcome of the primary underscores the growing influence of youth activism and public demand for better governance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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