The Jigawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has defended its recent decision to swap National Assembly candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating that the moves are aimed at strengthening the party's chances against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The state PDP Chairman, Hon. Babandi Ibrahim, disclosed the changes during a stakeholders' meeting for the Jigawa South-West Senatorial District, held at the party secretariat in Dutse.
Key Candidate Changes Announced
Ibrahim confirmed that two candidate changes have been made so far. Former Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has replaced Aminu Wada Abubakar as the party's flagbearer for the Jigawa Central Senatorial District. In a parallel move, Aminu Wada Abubakar has been reassigned to contest the Dutse/Kiyawa Federal Constituency seat. The chairman emphasized that these adjustments were part of a broader strategy to optimize the party's electoral prospects.
According to Tribune, the chairman explained that the changes followed a careful assessment of the party's electoral strength in each constituency and the need to field candidates most capable of delivering victories for the PDP. He noted that electoral rules permit political parties to withdraw and substitute candidates within a set window, and that the current period for such adjustments remains open. He added that the party would continue consultations with stakeholders and could announce additional replacements before the deadline.
Party Unity and Broader Strategy
Mustapha Sule Lamido, the PDP governorship candidate in Jigawa State, also addressed the gathering during the formal announcement of Suleiman Abba's nomination. Lamido said the party is actively reaching out to politicians across the state to grow its membership and build a more competitive platform before the elections. He cautioned that replacing a candidate should not be interpreted as a sign that the outgoing contender had lost relevance within the party, stressing that there are multiple ways for members to contribute to the PDP's success, with or without being on the ballot.
Ibrahim echoed this sentiment, urging members and supporters to remain united and focused on the party's goal of reclaiming political power in Jigawa State. The meeting underscored the party's commitment to internal cohesion as it prepares for the 2027 polls.
APC Setback in Jigawa
In a related development, the APC suffered a major setback in Jigawa State following the defection of former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Idris Garba Kareka, to the PDP. Kareka announced his official defection at a well-attended political rally in his Jahun town on Tuesday, June 2. His move came days after the former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Victor Ochei, also resigned from the APC.
These developments highlight the shifting political landscape in Jigawa State as parties position themselves for the 2027 elections. The PDP's candidate swaps and the APC's loss of a prominent figure suggest an intensifying contest in the state.
