Former Inspector-General of Police, Sulaiman Abba, has formally defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring his ambition to contest the Jigawa Central Senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general election.

Abba announced his decision on Friday while addressing party supporters and stakeholders at Bamaina, the hometown of former Jigawa State Governor and PDP chieftain, Alhaji Sule Lamido.

Declaring his new political allegiance, the former police chief said there was no ambiguity about his decision.

“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 said his defection would enable him to pursue the PDP ticket for the Jigawa Central Senatorial District in the 2027 elections.

Welcoming the former police boss into the PDP, former Governor Sule Lamido described the development as a major boost for the party’s preparations for the 2027 general election.

Lamido assured Abba of equal treatment and a level playing field within the party, stressing that new members would enjoy the same rights and privileges as longstanding members.

He expressed confidence that Abba’s experience and political influence would strengthen the PDP’s electoral prospects in Jigawa State. (Nigerian Tribune)