Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State, Muhammad Gadaka, has come under criticism after urging women to leave husbands who prevent them from voting for the ruling party.

Gadaka made the controversial statement while addressing supporters in Yobe State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He reportedly told women that they should consider divorce if their husbands attempted to stop them from supporting or voting for the APC.

The statement generated widespread criticism, with opponents accusing the APC chairman of interfering in marital relationships for political purposes.

Gadaka subsequently apologised and withdrew the remark, saying it was made in the context of political mobilisation.

In his clarification, he said the statement was not intended to encourage the breakdown of marriages and acknowledged that the comment had been inappropriate.

The controversy comes as political parties intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

The APC chairman’s remarks have since attracted renewed attention to the role of political leaders in campaigning and the need to avoid statements capable of creating tension within families and communities.