Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has formally resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring his intention to contest the Jigawa South-West Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections. The defection, which took place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at a rally in Bamaina, the hometown of former Jigawa State Governor and PDP chieftain Sule Lamido, has sent ripples through the state's political landscape and is being hailed as a major boost for the opposition party ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Abba, who served as Inspector-General of Police from 2014 to 2015, announced his defection before a large crowd of party leaders, supporters, and loyalists at Bamaina, located in the Birnin Kudu Local Government Area. The former police chief said his decision to leave the APC was driven by his desire to continue serving his people, following growing calls from his constituents to contest the senatorial seat in the 2027 elections. "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," Abba declared.
Abba disclosed that his previous attempt to secure the APC senatorial ticket was frustrated despite meeting all the screening requirements. "You are aware that I aspired to become a senator under the APC, but unfortunately, I was not even allowed to participate in the primary election after successfully passing the screening process," he lamented. He explained that his motivation to seek elective office was driven by a desire to give back to his community through quality representation. "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.
In a resignation letter dated April 15, 2026, addressed to the APC Chairman of Kofar Fada Ward in Gwaram Local Government Area, Abba stated that he had ceased participating in party activities since June 2022 and chose not to validate his membership during the party's recent re-registration exercise. "Recall that since the 10th of June 2022, I have not attended any of APC meetings at National, State, LGC or Ward level," he stated in the letter. "This membership withdrawal was further confirmed by my non-participation in the Party's Re-registration Exercise which ended on 14th April 2026. This letter, therefore, is meant to fully confirm my withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress."
The former IGP 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," he pledged. He also dismissed claims that his actions during the 2015 political transition were intended to undermine the PDP government, stating that he had nothing against the party and that his defection was motivated by the APC's denial of his senatorial ambition.
Receiving the former police chief, former Governor Sule Lamido described Abba's defection as a significant gain for the PDP as preparations for the 2027 elections gathered momentum. "This is a major catch for the PDP. A personality with Abba's credentials brings credibility, experience, and wider acceptance to our party," Lamido said. He expressed optimism that more politicians would join the PDP, pointing to the presence of the party's governorship candidates from Kano, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe and Jigawa states at the gathering as evidence of growing political alignment across the region. 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.
The Jigawa State PDP Chairman, Babandi Gumel, said the party had commenced efforts to integrate Abba and his supporters into its structures across the state. "Today, the 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 the ground to integrate everyone into the PDP family," Gumel said. The PDP governorship candidate in Jigawa State, Mustapha Lamido, also said Abba's defection would strengthen the party's chances in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
As of the time of filing this report, the leadership of the APC at both the ward and state levels in Jigawa had not issued an official reaction to Abba's resignation. However, the defection of a former Inspector-General of Police to the opposition party marks a significant shift in the state's political dynamics. Abba, who becomes one of the most high-profile figures to switch allegiance in Jigawa in recent months, has already set his sights on the Senate, and his entry into the PDP race for Jigawa South-West is expected to reshape the contest for the seat in 2027.
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