Primaries: Rep Jeremiah Umaru dumps APC, cites credibility concerns

The member of the House of Representatives for Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency, Jeremiah Umaru, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC). He cited concerns about the conduct of the party’s recently concluded primary elections as the reason for his departure.

Umaru, who is popularly known as Jakadan Wamba, announced his resignation in a letter addressed to the APC Chairman of Gitta Ward in Wamba Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

In the letter dated 28 May 2026, the lawmaker said that developments surrounding the party’s primary elections had left him disillusioned and made it impossible for him to continue his political journey within the ruling party.

He expressed concern over what he described as the gradual erosion of the values of fairness, transparency, justice, and internal democracy—principles he said many members joined the party on and worked for its growth.

According to Umaru, the events that characterized the primary election process significantly weakened his confidence in the party’s commitment to credible and inclusive democratic practices.

The federal lawmaker noted that, as a loyal member who invested considerable time, effort, and resources in building the APC, it was painful to witness what he termed the increasing prevalence of imposition, manipulation, and disregard for the collective wishes of party members.

He maintained that the experiences of the primaries convinced him that the party was drifting away from the principles that once inspired the confidence and commitment of its supporters.

“I can no longer, in good conscience, remain part of a system that fails to uphold fairness, credibility, and respect for the aspirations of dedicated members,” he stated.

Despite his decision to leave the APC, Umaru expressed gratitude to party members, leaders, and associates with whom he worked during his years in the party.

He also appreciated the opportunities and experiences gained while serving under the platform and wished well to members who remain committed to advancing democratic ideals within the party.

His resignation adds to the growing list of defections and political realignments in Nasarawa State following the conclusion of party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.