Ex-IG Abba dumps APC, joins PDP in Jigawa

Former Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has defected from the All Progressives Congress to the Peoples Democratic Party in Jigawa State.

Abba announced his defection on Saturday at a rally in Bamaina, the hometown of a PDP chieftain and former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, where he was received by party leaders and supporters.

The former police chief said he joined the PDP to pursue his ambition of representing Jigawa South-West Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

“I have left the APC for the PDP because I believe this is the platform to deliver real representation for Jigawa South West,” Abba said.

Abba said the large turnout of supporters at the rally reflected the people’s desire for change, adding that his campaign would focus on security, agriculture and youth employment.

“I will take the voice of our farmers, our youths, and our women to the Senate if elected,” Abba said.

Receiving the former IGP, Lamido described his defection as a major boost for the PDP, saying his entry would strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

This is a big catch for the PDP. A man of Abba’s record brings credibility and reach to our party,” Lamido said.

He expressed optimism that more politicians would join the party, adding that the presence of PDP governorship candidates from Kano, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe and Jigawa states at the rally underscored the party’s unity in the North.

“Suleiman Abba served this country with honour as IGP. Now he wants to serve Jigawa South West in the Senate. We will stand with him,” Lamido said.

Also speaking, the Jigawa State PDP Chairman, Babandi Gumel, said the party was prepared to integrate Abba and his supporters into its structure across the state.

“Today, PDP is getting stronger in Jigawa South West with the coming of IGP Abba and his thousands of supporters.

“Our ward, LGA, and zonal executives are on ground to integrate everyone into the PDP family,” Gumel said.

The PDP governorship candidate in Jigawa State, Mustapha Lamido, said Abba’s defection would strengthen the party’s chances in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.

Supporters at the rally chanted party slogans and waved PDP flags as Abba was formally received into the party.