The Yobe State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka, initially urged married women to divorce their husbands if they stopped them from voting APC in the upcoming general elections. The remarks were made in Nangere town during a session where he welcomed hundreds of defectors into the party.
The comments drew backlash in the state, including condemnation from residents and Islamic scholars who said the suggestion was reckless and could undermine family values. Nigerian Eye reports that Gadaka also pledged support related to women leaving marriages over political allegiance, which intensified criticism.
After the reaction, Gadaka posted a retraction in a short video shared on the Facebook page of Governor Mai Mala Buni’s media aide. In the explanation, he says his words were misinterpreted and intended as “joking banter” connected to traditional teasing between communities among the Ngamo and Kare‑Kare people. He apologizes and withdraws the comment, with observers noting that the retraction helps reduce tensions ahead of the elections.
