Former Inspector General of Police and Peoples Democratic Party senatorial candidate for Jigawa Southwest, Sulaiman Abba, has warned that any attempt to manipulate the 2027 general elections in the state will fail.
Abba, who is contesting the Jigawa Southwest Senatorial District seat, popularly known as Jigawa Central, said the electorate would resist any attempt to rig the election or undermine the democratic process.
He spoke on Wednesday in Dutse while interacting with journalists to mark the commencement of his campaign activities for the presidential and National Assembly elections.
The former police chief said his 31 years of experience in law enforcement had exposed him to various methods of electoral manipulation, adding that such experience would make it difficult for anyone to rig him out of the 2027 contest.
“With the kick-off of the 2027 electioneering today, Wednesday, it has become imperative to caution the opposition against election manipulation,” Abba said.
He recalled his tenure as Inspector General of Police during the 2015 general elections, saying he played a role in efforts to ensure that the polls were conducted freely, fairly and credibly.
According to him, his long experience in policing had given him sufficient knowledge of the tactics sometimes deployed to manipulate electoral outcomes.
“My 31 years experience in law enforcement has exposed me to all forms of election rigging antics, hence no one can rig me out,” he said.
Abba warned that any attempt to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 election in Jigawa Central would be resisted by the people.
He maintained that the PDP would not be intimidated ahead of the elections and expressed confidence that the party would compete effectively against the ruling All Progressives Congress and other political parties.
“Any attempt to rig us out will fail. We will not allow it. The era of writing results is over in Jigawa Central and the state as a whole,” he stated.
Despite his warning, Abba pledged to conduct his campaign peacefully and within the provisions of the law.
He said his career in law enforcement had shaped his approach to politics, stressing that he would not support violence, intimidation or other forms of electoral misconduct.
“As a law enforcement officer for 31 years, who rose from the rank of ASP to IGP, I assure you that you are going to see one of the most peaceful conducts of campaigns,” Abba said.
“We are going to do it according to the law with decorum and respect to everyone,” he added.
The former IGP explained that his decision to join partisan politics was driven by his desire to serve the people and contribute to the development of the country, rather than to antagonise his political opponents.
He said his experience in policing and public service would be useful in providing effective representation if elected to the Senate.
Abba identified agriculture, security, job creation and the protection of citizens’ rights as some of his priority areas if elected.
He said Jigawa Central had significant potential in agriculture and other economic activities that could be harnessed to create employment opportunities and improve the living standards of residents.
“I’m giant in fight for less privilege people, therefore I promise to do all my best to ensure justice and ensure my people is well represented in the Senate,” he said.
On his educational background, Abba said he had received both Islamic and Western education.
He disclosed that he holds university degrees in History and Law and attended the Nigerian Law School, where he was called to the Nigerian Bar.
The former police chief urged residents of Jigawa Central and other PDP supporters to mobilise behind the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
He expressed confidence that the PDP would reclaim Jigawa State, saying the party would offer voters an alternative focused on development, effective representation and improved governance.
Abba’s campaign launch comes as political parties and prospective candidates across Nigeria intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The Jigawa Southwest Senatorial District, which comprises several local government areas in the state, is expected to witness a competitive contest as political parties seek to secure the Senate seat and other elective positions.
The contest is also likely to be shaped by issues including security, agriculture, youth employment, infrastructure and the credibility of the electoral process.
West Trybe reports that Abba’s warning places electoral integrity at the centre of his early campaign message, while his pledge to conduct a peaceful campaign highlights the importance of maintaining political stability as parties intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
