The Yobe APC chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka, has caused controversy over a comment directed at married women.
Gadaka reportedly made the statement while receiving hundreds of defectors in Nangere town on Thursday.
He told women whose husbands opposed APC that they should leave their marriages and promised to marry them.
Gadaka said, “If Your Husband Won’t Allow You to Vote APC, Leave the Marriage. I will Pay Your Bride Price and Marry You.”
The remark quickly drew criticism from residents and Islamic scholars who described it as inappropriate.
Gadaka also reportedly promised to pay the bride price for any woman who left her marriage over political support.
The Yobe APC chairman later withdrew the controversial comment following the backlash.
He explained his remarks in a 42-second video shared on Facebook by Mamma Mohammed, an aide to Governor Mai Mala Buni.
Gadaka said his statement was misunderstood and described it as a joke linked to traditional teasing between his Ngamo people and Kare Kare speakers.
He said the comment was never meant to encourage married people to divorce their spouses.
“My statement was just a usual joking banter and does not in any way represent the ideals I stand for or intended to encourage divorce among married people,” Gadaka said.
“I offer apologies for my statement, and I hereby withdraw it,” he added.
He also apologised and formally withdrew the statement.
However, the incident has placed the Yobe APC chairman at the centre of public discussion over political comments and family values.
