In a highly controversial turn of events ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Yobe State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mohammed Gadaka, has urged married women to divorce their husbands if they are restricted from voting for the ruling party.
Speaking at a recent political campaign rally, Gadaka made remarks that have since sparked intense debate across social media and political circles. According to the party chieftain, political loyalty to the APC should take precedence if a husband attempts to dictate his wife’s voting choices.
The Dowry Promise
In a video that has gone viral on social media, Gadaka went a step further by offering financial and marital security to any woman who takes his advice. He boldly declared his willingness to refund the dowry of any affected wife and even marry them himself if their marriages end over their political stance.
“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 told the cheering crowd.
Reactions and Implications
The APC chairman’s remarks have triggered diverse reactions among Nigerians. While some view the statement as typical political hyperbole designed to energize the party’s female support base, others have criticized it as an extreme overreach that undermines the sanctity of marriage and family values, particularly in the culturally conservative northern region.
As the countdown to the 2027 elections begins, political actors in Nigeria are increasingly employing aggressive mobilization strategies. However, analysts suggest that bringing marital unions into the political crossfire could alienate conservative voters and lead to significant backlash for the ruling party in Yobe State.