Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Jigawa Southwest, Suleiman Abba, has warned against any attempt to manipulate, tamper with or alter his election results in the 2027 National Assembly elections.

Abba issued the warning on Wednesday while formally launching his campaign and unveiling his manifesto in Dutse, Jigawa State.

The former police chief said his 31 years in law enforcement, including his role as Chairman of the Planning Committee for the Security of the 2015 elections, had given him extensive knowledge of electoral offences and how they are investigated and prosecuted.

He said he would pursue any attempt to undermine the integrity of the election through lawful means.

“I know how it is done, I know how it is investigated and I know how culprits are prosecuted. Don’t dare touch my results,” Abba said.

The PDP candidate also urged his political opponents and their supporters to ensure that the 2027 election in Jigawa Southwest was conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.

He said although he was prepared to defend the integrity of his mandate, he would not encourage his supporters to engage in violence or any act capable of disrupting the electoral process.

“Tell your thugs, we are not going to use thugs. If you are using thugs, tell them to distance themselves from me. The law will take its course,” he said.

Abba said his campaign would be issue-based, peaceful and respectful, urging political actors to present their programmes to voters rather than resort to intimidation, violence or electoral malpractice.

“We are going to see one of the most peaceful conduct of campaigns. We are going to do it according to the law, we are going to be fair and we are going to be respectful,” he said.

He explained that he began his campaign with a media briefing to present his manifesto and political agenda to the people of Jigawa Southwest, stressing the need for voters to freely assess the candidates and make informed choices.

Abba pledged to provide effective representation if elected, with emphasis on youth employment, education, healthcare, agriculture and improved economic opportunities for constituents.

He said his background in history, law, policing and public service had equipped him with the experience needed to contribute to legislation and effective representation at the National Assembly.

On agriculture, the former IGP promised to support farmers through improved access to farmland, fertilisers, agrochemicals, tractors and other agricultural inputs.

He also pledged to promote modern livestock production and better welfare for pastoral communities.

Abba said his ultimate objective was to secure a credible mandate from the electorate and ensure that the votes of the people were protected throughout the electoral process.

Meanwhile, Abba has also warned that the proposed state police system will place significant security responsibilities on state governors.

Abba said governors would need to provide adequate funding, recruitment, training, equipment and effective supervision if state police was to achieve its objectives.

The former police chief spoke in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, while formally flagging off his campaign for the Jigawa Southwest Senatorial District seat under the PDP.

He said the success or otherwise of state police would largely depend on the seriousness with which governors approached the initiative.

Abba said inadequate recruitment, poor training and insufficient equipment could undermine the effectiveness of state police and worsen existing security challenges. (Nigerian Tribune)

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