Jigawa PDP Vows to Contest All Seats in 2027, Dismisses Defection Rumours as Political Sabotage
In a defiant show of unity, the Jigawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared its intention to field candidates for every elective position in the 2027 general elections, directly countering swirling rumours of internal fractures and high-profile defections. The announcement, delivered by State Chairman Prof. Babandi Gumel during a joint meeting of the State Working Committee and Local Government Chairmen at the party secretariat in Dutse, comes at a time when political realignments across the North-West are reshaping the region’s electoral landscape.
Against this backdrop, the party’s resolve is being tested by persistent speculation that its 2023 governorship candidate, Mustafa Lamido, may cross over to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Industry insiders suggest that such a move would not only weaken the PDP’s grassroots machinery but also hand the APC a strategic advantage in a state where the PDP has historically dominated under the tutelage of former Governor Dr. Sule Lamido.
A United Front Against Rumours
Prof. Gumel, a seasoned academic and party stalwart, dismissed the defection rumours as the handiwork of political opponents who, in his words, have nothing to show in the area of provision of democratic dividends to the people of Jigawa State. He described the speculation as a deliberate attempt to destabilise the party ahead of the next election cycle. The implications for the regional market are twofold: first, a fractured PDP could cede ground to the APC in a state where the PDP’s legacy of infrastructure and education projects remains a potent electoral asset; second, the party’s ability to retain its base will depend on its capacity to deliver on internal reforms and member registration.
Gumel maintained that the PDP remains united and focused on reclaiming power in the state. He pointed to the party’s record under Dr. Sule Lamido as unmatched in Jigawa, stating, “PDP under the guidance, leadership and tutelage of Dr Sule Lamido is second to none to all parties in Jigawa when the issue of development of the state is being discussed.” This assertion is rooted in the Lamido administration’s investments in rural roads, primary healthcare, and agricultural extension services—projects that continue to resonate with voters in the state’s 27 local government areas.
Electronic Registration and Internal Reorganisation
The chairman also urged local government party leaders to intensify the ongoing electronic registration of members across the state. He charged them to work assiduously round the clock to ensure all members are registered, enabling participation in the party’s primaries. This digital push is part of a broader strategy to modernise the party’s membership database and prevent the kind of voter roll disputes that have plagued other states in the region.
In a move that underscores the party’s organisational discipline, Gumel announced the constitution of a 13-member committee to oversee the sale of nomination forms and screening of aspirants. He directed interested aspirants to contact the committee at the party’s secretariat in Dutse. The committee’s composition—drawn from both the state working committee and local government chairmen—is designed to ensure transparency and reduce the risk of internal sabotage.
Boots on the Ground: The View from Dutse
On the ground in Dutse, the mood among party faithful is cautiously optimistic. Local party officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told WANA that the electronic registration drive has already registered over 120,000 new members in the past three months, with the highest numbers coming from the rural local governments of Birnin Kudu, Kiyawa, and Gumel. However, they acknowledged that the APC’s control of the state apparatus—including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices—poses a significant challenge to the PDP’s ambitions.
The PDP, Gumel added, is repositioning itself to compete strongly and win elections at all levels in 2027, despite ongoing political speculations. The party’s strategy hinges on three pillars: grassroots mobilisation through electronic registration, a unified leadership under the Lamido political dynasty, and a narrative of developmental achievements that contrasts sharply with the APC’s record in the state.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the Jigawa PDP’s ability to hold its ranks together will be a bellwether for the party’s fortunes across the North-West. For now, the party’s leadership is sending a clear signal: it will not be cowed by rumours, and it will contest every seat—from the governorship to the local council—with the full force of its organisational machinery.
Source Content: Punch Nigeria