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By Salihu Pirkusu, Maiduguri
The MP, representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency in Borno State, Hon. Usman Midala Balami has defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Accord Party, insisting that his decision became necessary after consulting stakeholders and numerous supporters to pursue his legislative initiatives covering education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, technology, research, security, constitutional reform and regional development.
Dr Balami, Deputy Chairman of the House Communications Committee, in his letter of resignation earlier submitted by him to the National Assembly, dated 15 June 2026, also copied to the APC Chairman of his Council and endorsed by his District Chairman (Hizhi Bwala), Hon Adamu Isa in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State.
He said: “After due consultations with leaders of all political parties, as well as friends, family and loved ones, I have found it necessary to submit my resignation from the ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS (APC) with
immediate effect. (16 June 2026)
“The decision was based on the failure to conduct credible, free, fair and transparent primary elections which denied aspirants a fair and equal opportunity to
participate, which forced him to stay out, refusing to participate.
“I sincerely appreciate the APC and its leadership for the opportunity, privilege and platform afforded to me, which have contributed immensely to my personal growth and service to humanity.
“I remain grateful for the support, cooperation and valuable experiences gained during my time in the party.
“Please accept this letter as my formal resignation, along with the assurance of my warmest regards.”
However, the current President Balami, whose name appeared on the platform of his new party (Accord), recently granted permission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to participate in the next general elections.
Speaking on his emergence as a candidate under the Accord party platform to recontest, Dr Balami, who is a first-timer, lauded the party leadership, stakeholders and teeming supporters across the constituency for giving him another mandate, which he said once re-elected, will build on his many achievements with good legislative representation.
The People said: “Democracy is now at its peak and they will only vote for candidates based on what they have been able to do, regardless of political leaning. As you know, during my short tenure in the National Assembly, and with the support of my constituents, I have been able to make a positive impact on the socio-economic development of the people of Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency.
“We have drilled wells, constructed classroom blocks, provided health services, job creation, empowerment of youth and women, agriculture support initiatives, including free distribution of fertilizers, irrigation facilities, pesticides and other agricultural inputs.
“I have also facilitated numerous laws that directly impact the lives of our people.
Few of these bills or proposals address the establishment of the Federal College of Science and Health Technology, Askira-Uba (HB 279); Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Hawul (HB 280); Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition, Hawul (HB 1797); Federal College of Fisheries and Apiculture (HB 1798); Institute of Information and Communication Technology, Azare (HB 1959); Lassa Fever Research Institute, Askira (HB 1960); and other initiatives.
“Their importance lies not just in the laws themselves, but in what successful implementation could mean: schools that train young people, institutions that create jobs, research centers that attract skills and funding, skills programs that create livelihoods, and a federal presence that can stimulate local economic activity.
“This is the concrete case of re-election and continuity: a second term can give me the experience and opportunity to carry forward unfinished legislative work, follow up on ministries and agencies, support budget provisions, monitor implementation, attract additional federal programs and use the relationships and knowledge already developed in the National Assembly to ensure better outcomes for Askira/Hawul.
“And that is why my people ask me to contest my own position on any political platform, which I have decided to heed their clarion call on the Accord Party platform.” Balami explained.
