By Salihu Pirkusu, Maiduguri
The lawmaker, representing Askira-Uba/ Hawul Federal Constituency in Borno state, Hon Usman Midala Balami has defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and joined Accord Party, insisting that his decision became necessary after consulting with stakeholders and teeming supporters to pursue his legislative initiatives covering education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, technology, research, security, constitutional reform, and regional development.
Dr. Balami, the Deputy Chairman House Committee on Communications, in his resignation letter he earlier tendered to the National Assembly, dated 15th June, 2026, also copied to the APC Chairman of his Council and endorsed by the Chairman of his Ward (Hizhi Bwala), Hon Adamu Isa in Hawul local government area of Borno state.
He said, “after due consultations with leaders across political parties, as well as friends, family, and loved ones, I have found it necessary to tender my resignation from the ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS (APC) with
immediate effect.( dated 16 June 2026)
“The decision was based on the failure to conduct credible, free, fair, and transparent primary elections primaries that denied aspirants a fair and equal opportunity to
participate which made him to stay out, refused to participate.
“I sincerely appreciate the APC and its leadership for the opportunity, privilege, and platform accorded to me, which 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 assurances of my highest regards”.
However, the incumbent Balami whose name appeared on the platform of his new party (Accord) recently released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to contest in the forthcoming general elections.
Speaking on his emergence as Candidate under the Accord party platform to recontest, Dr Balami who is a First- Timer commended Party leadership, stakeholders and teeming supporters across the constituency for giving him another mandate, which he said when reelected, he will consolidate on the numerous achievements recorded with good legislative representation.
The People said, “Democracy is now at its peak, and they will only vote for candidate(s) based on what he/she was able to do irrespective of political inclination. As you are aware that in my short stay at the National Assembly, and with support of my constituents, I was able to impacted positively on the socio-economic development of the people of Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency.
“We have drilled boreholes, construct classroom blocks, provision of heathcare service delivery, jobs creation, youths/women empowerment, agricultural support initiatives, including free distribution of fertilizers, irrigation facilities, pesticides and other farming inputs.
” I have also facilitated numerous Bills that have direct impact on the lives of our people.
Few of these Bills or proposals are for the establishment of 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 Skills Acquisition, Hawul (HB 1797); Federal College of Fisheries and Apiculture (HB 1798); Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Azare (HB 1959); Lassa Fever Research Institute, Askira (HB 1960); and other initiatives.
“Their importance is not merely in the bills themselves, but in what successful implementation could mean: schools that train young people, institutions that create employment, research centres that attract expertise and funding, skills programmes that create livelihoods, and federal presence that can stimulate local economic activity.
“This is the concrete case for re-election and continuity: a second term can give me the experience and the opportunity to take unfinished legislative work further, follow up with ministries and agencies, advocate for budgetary provisions, monitor implementation, attract additional federal programmes, and use relationships and knowledge already developed in the National Assembly to secure better outcomes for Askira/Hawul.
“And that is why that my people are calling on me to recontest same position on any political platform, which I have decided to heed to their clarion call on the platform of the Accord Party”. Balami explained.
