The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State, Muhammad Gadaka, has sparked controversy after urging married women whose husbands prevent them from voting for the party to seek divorce.

Gadaka reportedly made the controversial comment on Thursday during an APC campaign rally in Nangere, Yobe State, according to Arise News.

In a video shared by News Central, the Yobe APC chairman told women to leave their marriages if their husbands stopped them from voting for the ruling party.

“If your husband won’t allow you to vote for APC, stand up to him and seek a divorce. If you leave the marriage, I will pay your dowry and marry you,” he said.

Yobe APC Chairman Faces BacklashThe remark has generated criticism from residents and Islamic scholars, who described it as reckless and provocative.

Critics warned that such comments could negatively affect family values and create unnecessary tension within marriages, particularly in a state where religious and cultural values play a significant role in family life.

The controversy intensified following the circulation of the video on social media.

Gadaka Apologises, Withdraws Comment

Following the backlash, Gadaka apologised for the statement and withdrew the comment.In a video shared on Friday by the Facebook page of the Yobe State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, the APC chairman said his words had been misunderstood.

Gadaka explained that the comment was intended as a joke and was not meant to encourage married couples to divorce over political differences.

“My statement was just a joke and does not in any way represent the ideals I stand for or intended to encourage divorce among married people.

“I offer apologies for my statement, and I hereby withdraw it,” he said.

Controversial Political Comments in NortheastGadaka’s comment comes days after another APC official in the Northeast sparked controversy over remarks linked to the 2027 elections.

The Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, had reportedly threatened to flog people who refused to support the APC in the forthcoming election.

The comments have added to ongoing debates over political rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly concerning the conduct and language of political actors during campaigns.