The Yobe State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka, has apologised and withdrawn his controversial comment advising wives to divorce husbands who prevent them from voting for the APC in the forthcoming general elections.
Gadaka made the U-turn after his remark sparked backlash from residents and Islamic scholars in the state, who described it as provocative and capable of undermining family values.
The APC chairman tendered the apology in a 42-second video shared on Facebook by the Director-General, Press and Media Affairs to the Yobe State Governor, Mamman Mohammed.
Gadaka had urged women to leave their husbands
The controversy began on Thursday when Gadaka, while addressing hundreds of defectors in Nangere town, reportedly urged married women to leave their husbands if they refused to allow them to vote for the APC.
He reportedly went further by promising to pay the “new bride price” for any woman who ended her marriage because of her allegiance to the ruling party.
The remark quickly generated reactions across the state, with critics questioning the appropriateness of the statement from a senior political office holder.
Islamic scholars and other residents reportedly condemned the comment, describing it as reckless and provocative, while warning against statements that could negatively affect family relationships.
‘My statement was just joking banter’
Following the backlash, Gadaka explained that his statement had been misconstrued and was not intended to encourage married women to divorce their husbands.
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According to him, the comment was made as part of what he described as an age-long practice of teasing between his Ngamo people and the Kare-Kare-speaking people.
Speaking in the video, Gadaka said, “My statement was just a usual joking banter and does not in any way represent the ideals I stand for or intended to encourage divorce among married people.”
He added, “I offer apologies for my statement, and I hereby withdraw it.”
APC chairman distances himself from controversial remark
Gadaka’s apology effectively marks a withdrawal of the earlier call, as he sought to distance himself from any interpretation that he was advocating divorce or the breakdown of marriages for political reasons.
The development comes as political parties and their supporters intensify mobilisation ahead of the forthcoming general elections, with defections and political rallies already taking place across several states.
Gadaka’s clarification is expected to ease tensions generated by the comment, particularly among residents who had criticised the statement over its potential impact on family and social values.
