The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State, Muhammad Gadaka, has withdrawn his controversial call for women to divorce husbands who prevent them from voting for the party in the 2027 general elections.
Gadaka also apologised to the public, explaining that the comment was made as a joke and was never intended to encourage married women to end their marriages over political differences.
“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,” Gadaka said in a video released after the controversy.
The APC chairman had made the remark while addressing party supporters during a political gathering in Nangere Local Government Area of Yobe State.
While speaking to women at the gathering, Gadaka had urged those whose husbands opposed their support for the APC to seek divorce. He further offered to pay the dowry of any woman affected and marry her.
The comment generated widespread reactions after a video of the address circulated on social media, with critics questioning the appropriateness of linking marital decisions to political allegiance.
In his subsequent clarification, however, Gadaka sought to distance himself from the statement, describing it as a harmless joke made within the context of a traditional joking relationship between communities.
“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.
He expressed regret over the comment and formally withdrew the statement, appealing to members of the public not to interpret it as a genuine call for married women to leave their husbands.
The controversy comes as political parties intensify mobilisation and grassroots engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections, with politicians across the country stepping up efforts to win the support of voters.
Gadaka’s apology and withdrawal have since shifted attention to his explanation that the original remark was made in jest and was not intended to be taken literally.
