The Jigawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described its decision to swap some National Assembly candidates as part of its strategy to strengthen the party and defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

The state PDP Chairman, Hon. Babandi Ibrahim, stated this while speaking with journalists shortly after the party’s Jigawa South-West Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting held at the party secretariat in Dutse.

Ibrahim said the electoral process allows political parties to withdraw and replace candidates within the stipulated period, stressing that the current window for such changes remains open.

He explained that the party had so far effected two major changes to its National Assembly candidates in the state.

According to him, former Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has replaced Aminu Wada Abubakar as the PDP candidate for Jigawa Central Senatorial District, while Wada Abubakar has been moved to contest the Dutse/Kiyawa Federal Constituency.

The chairman said the decision was taken after careful consideration of the party’s electoral strength and the need to field candidates capable of delivering victory for the PDP.

He added that the party was still assessing its candidates and would make further replacements where necessary before the deadline.

“We are still searching for more replacements where we see the need to strengthen the party. Insha Allah, we will come out very strongly when the time comes for the election,” Ibrahim said.

Also speaking, the PDP governorship candidate in Jigawa State, Mustapha Sule Lamido, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to winning the 2027 general elections.

Lamido spoke during the stakeholders’ meeting and the formal announcement of the replacement of Wada Abubakar with former IGP Suleiman Abba as the party’s Jigawa Central Senatorial candidate.

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He said the PDP was reaching out to politicians across the state in an effort to expand its membership and build a stronger platform ahead of the elections.

“Discussions are currently ongoing with some prominent politicians who may join the PDP, while some may also take the place of some of our existing candidates,” he said.

Lamido explained that replacing a candidate should not be interpreted as a declaration that the affected politician had become irrelevant to the party.

He said there were several ways party members could contribute to the success of the PDP, regardless of whether they were candidates.

“It is not only about candidature; there are many ways one can contribute to the party. We assure you that whoever supports the party will be recognised and rewarded,” Lamido said.

The PDP chairman further explained that although candidates had already emerged through the party’s primary elections, the electoral process provided an opportunity for parties to make changes within the stipulated period.

He maintained that the two changes so far were aimed at improving the party’s chances at the polls.

Ibrahim said the party would continue to consult stakeholders and review its candidates where necessary, expressing optimism that the PDP would emerge stronger ahead of the 2027 elections.

He urged party members and supporters to remain united and committed to the party’s objective of reclaiming political power in Jigawa State.