The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Yobe State, Muhammad Gadaka, has urged married women to leave their husbands if they prevent them from voting for the party in the 2027 election.
Gadaka made the controversial remark on Thursday while addressing supporters in Nangere Local Government Area of the state.
He also offered to pay the bride price of any woman who leaves her marriage because her husband opposed her decision to vote for the APC.
“If your husband won’t allow you to vote for APC, stand up to him and seek a divorce. If you leave the marriage, I will pay your dowry and marry you,” Gadaka said.
Gadaka faces backlash over remark
The comment quickly attracted criticism after a video of the event circulated online.
Residents and some Islamic scholars described the statement as provocative and inappropriate. Critics also questioned the decision to bring marital relationships into political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 election.
The controversy came amid increased political activities across the country as parties begin building support ahead of the next general election.
Gadaka had been addressing supporters and new members who joined the APC during the gathering in Nangere. He spoke about the party’s political strength in the state before making the controversial remark.
Yobe APC chairman apologises
Gadaka later withdrew the statement following the backlash and apologised to members of the public.
In a video shared on Friday, the APC chairman said his comment had been misunderstood. He explained that he made the remark as a joke linked to a traditional teasing relationship between the Ngamo people and the Kare-Kare-speaking community.
“My statement was just a joke and does not in any way represent the ideals I stand for or intended to encourage divorce among married people,” Gadaka said.
He also formally withdrew the comment and apologised for any misunderstanding caused by his words.
“I offer apologies for my statement, and I hereby withdraw it,” he added.
The development comes as political parties intensify their grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election.
Gadaka’s comments have now drawn attention to the growing use of provocative rhetoric at political gatherings, particularly as parties seek to strengthen their support across the country.