Former IGP Sulaiman Abba dumps APC for PDP, declares Jigawa Senate bid

The former Inspector-General of Police, Sulaiman Abba, has now formally switched his party allegiance from All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to contest the senatorial race for Jigawa Central Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections.

Abba made the switch at a rally of PDP members in Bamaina, the home town of former governor of Jigawa State and respected PDP member, Alhaji Sule Lamido.

While speaking at the event, Abba made it known that his defection was not in doubt anymore because he has now fully switched parties.

“There is no magic about it. The truth is that I am now a PDP member, and I aspire to become a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. By the grace of Allah, I will get there,” he said.

Abba recalled that his senatorial ambition under the APC in 2019 was frustrated despite successfully passing the party’s screening process.

“As you are aware, I sought to contest for the Senate under the APC, but I was not even allowed to participate in the primary election after successfully undergoing screening,” he lamented.

He explained that his decision to seek elective office was driven by a desire to give back to his community through quality representation.

“My inspiration is to serve my community. Having been blessed with education, experience, good health and the ability to think and act, I believe I should continue to contribute meaningfully to the society that produced me,” he said.

According to him, joining the PDP provides him with the opportunity to actualise his political aspiration.

“That is why I moved to the PDP, where I believe I have the opportunity to contest. If I say I was invited and I answered the call, I would not be wrong,” Abba stated.

The former Inspector-General also dismissed claims that his actions during the 2015 political transition were intended to undermine the PDP government.

“What happened in 2015 was never meant to harm the PDP or its leadership. I had nothing against the PDP. When they called me, I responded. Likewise, I had nothing against the APC, but the same party denied me the opportunity to pursue my ambition when I sought to contest for the Senate,” he added.

Abba stated that his defection will help him get the PDP senatorial ticket for Jigawa Central Senatorial District in the 2027 election.

On receiving Abba into PDP, former Governor Sule Lamido stated that the development is very encouraging for the party in preparing itself for the 2027 general election.

Lamido promised Abba that he would be treated equally inside the party without favoring anybody. He promised that new members have the same right and privilege like the old members in the party.

He was hopeful that the experience of Abba will benefit the PDP in the upcoming elections in Jigawa state.