RismadarVoice Reporters
September 5, 2026
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State, Muhammad Gadaka, has apologised for his controversial remark urging women whose husbands oppose the party to consider divorce.
Gadaka withdrew the statement, explaining that he made the comment as a joke and did not intend to encourage married women to end their marriages over political differences.
The APC chairman made the clarification in a video released after a recording of his earlier remarks circulated widely on social media.
Speaking during a political gathering in Nangere Local Government Area of Yobe State, Gadaka had reportedly told women whose husbands would not support the APC in the 2027 elections to leave their marriages.
He had also offered to pay the dowry of such women and marry them.
The comments generated criticism, with concerns raised over the appropriateness of linking marital relationships to political loyalty.
However, in his subsequent clarification, Gadaka said he regretted the statement and formally withdrew it.
“I withdraw my earlier statement that any woman whose husband prevents her from voting for the APC should end her marriage, and that I would marry her. I apologise to the public; I only said it as a joke,” he said.
Gadaka explained that the remark was made within the context of a traditional joking relationship between communities and was not intended to be taken literally.
He maintained that the comment did not reflect his personal values or an intention to promote divorce among married couples.
“My statement was just a joke and does not in any way represent the ideals I stand for or intend to encourage divorce among married people,” he said.
The controversy comes as political parties intensify mobilisation and grassroots engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Gadaka’s apology and withdrawal have since provided clarification on his earlier comments, which had attracted considerable attention following their circulation online.
