Yobe APC Chairman Urges Divorce Over Voting Restrictions

Muhammad Gadaka, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State, made a controversial statement during a campaign rally in Nangere on Thursday, urging married women to seek divorce if their husbands prevent them from voting for the APC. He controversially offered to pay their dowries, stating, “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.” This remark has faced significant backlash from residents and Islamic scholars, who labeled it reckless and provocative, warning it could undermine family values. Following the criticism, Gadaka apologized and clarified that his statement was intended as a joke and did not reflect his true beliefs or intentions regarding divorce.

He expressed regret for the misunderstanding and officially withdrew his comment. This incident occurred shortly after another APC official, Sainna Buba, threatened violence against those not supporting the party in the upcoming 2027 elections.