Long-time lawmaker Sa’idu Yusuf Miga loses return ticket in Jigawa APC primary

A major political upset has emerged in Jigawa State following the defeat of long-time federal lawmaker Hon. Sa’idu Yusuf Miga in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Miga, who represents the Jahun/Miga Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, lost the party’s return ticket during the APC primaries conducted on Saturday, bringing an end to his nearly two-decade presence in the National Assembly.

The lawmaker first entered the House of Representatives in 2003 under the platform of the defunct New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) before joining the APC during the 2014 merger that led to the formation of the ruling party.

He subsequently secured re-election in 2015, 2019, and 2023, making him one of the longest-serving lawmakers from Jigawa State.

However, reports of growing dissatisfaction among constituents over alleged poor representation and a lack of impactful constituency projects weakened his political standing in Jahun and Miga local government areas.

Critics also questioned his legislative performance, alleging that he had not sponsored major bills since the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in June 2023.

Public frustration became more pronounced earlier this month when a coalition of youths under the banner “Jahun Ina Muka Dosa” staged a peaceful protest demanding his replacement.

The group, led by youth leaders including Shamsu Sulaiman Alafin, Nura Wada, and Comrade Muhammad Khamisu Harbo, submitted complaints to the APC leadership and Governor Umar Namadi, accusing the lawmaker of failing to address infrastructural challenges, youth unemployment, and underdevelopment in the constituency.

“We need a more active and result-oriented representative who understands the needs of the people,” one of the youth leaders said during the protest.

Following the primary election, the APC replaced Miga with Hon. Umar Imam, who will now fly the party’s flag for the Jahun/Miga Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 elections.