Ibrahim Shuaibu in Dutse
A former Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, weekend, dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jigawa State, formally declaring his ambition to contest the Jigawa South-West Senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general election.
Abba announced his defection at a political rally in Bamaina, the hometown of former Jigawa State Governor and PDP chieftain, Alhaji Sule Lamido, where he was received by party leaders, supporters and a large crowd of loyalists.
The former police chief said he left the ruling APC for the PDP because he believed the opposition party offered him the right platform to deliver effective representation for the people of Jigawa South-West in the National Assembly.
“I have left the APC for the PDP because I believe this is the platform to deliver real representation for Jigawa South-West,” Abba declared.
He said the turnout at the rally reflected growing public support for political change in the state, adding that his senatorial bid would prioritise security, agriculture, youth empowerment and broader economic opportunities for the district.
“I will take the voice of our farmers, our youths and our women to the Senate if elected,” he added.
Receiving the former IGP, Lamido described Abba’s defection as a major political gain for the party and a significant boost to its preparations for the 2027 elections in Jigawa and across the North.
“This is a big catch for the PDP. A man of Abba’s record brings credibility and reach to our party,” Lamido said.
He expressed confidence that Abba’s entry would galvanise support for the PDP in Jigawa South-West and attract more defectors to the party in the coming months.
“Suleiman Abba served this country with honour as IGP. Now he wants to serve Jigawa South-West in the Senate. We will stand with him,” Lamido added.
Chairman of PDP in Jigawa State, Alhaji Babandi Gumel, said the party had already activated its structures at ward, local government and zonal levels to absorb Abba and his supporters into its fold.