**APC Crisis Deepens as Ex-defence Minister's Ally Defects** In a shocking move, Zahraddeen Abubakar, a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State and a close ally of former Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned from the party. Abubakar, who once served as the Chairman of Gwaram Local Government during Badaru's second term as Governor of Jigawa State, cited the party's deviation from its original principles as the reason for his resignation. This decision comes as no surprise, given the recent high-profile meetings between Badaru and opposition leaders in the state, sparking rumors of the former minister's potential defection. It is worth noting that Badaru's meetings with opposition leaders, including Mustapha Lamido, the son of veteran politician Sule Lamido, were initially seen as an attempt to strengthen unity within the APC in Jigawa State and the North-west region, ahead of the 2027 general election. However, these meetings have now taken on a different connotation, with Abubakar's resignation being seen as a clear indication of the party's internal strife. Abubakar, who is also the Jigawa State Chairman of the National Association of Former Elected Local Government Chairmen (NALGON), has been appointed to join the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC). His resignation is seen as a significant blow to the APC, which has been facing challenges in maintaining unity among its members. The APC's woes are expected to worsen, given the party's internal struggles and the impending 2027 general election. As the party struggles to regain its footing, it remains to be seen whether Badaru will follow Abubakar's lead and defect to the ADC or remain loyal to the APC. In Nigeria's complex and ever-changing political landscape, alliances are often fleeting, and party loyalty is put to the test. The APC's crisis is a reminder that in Nigerian politics, loyalty and power are often at the center of decision-making, and party affiliations can change quickly. Only time will tell what the future holds for the APC and its members.