The decision of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba, to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and secure the party’s ticket for the Jigawa South-West Senatorial District appears to have altered the political equation ahead of the 2027 polls in the state, writes Adamu Amadu in Dutse.

The defection of a former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been widely interpreted by political observers as one of the most significant realignments in the state’s political landscape, with many believing it could strengthen the PDP’s bid to maintain the senatorial district in the forthcoming general elections.

Abba, a respected police officer who earlier served as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, formally declared his membership of the PDP during a gathering of party stakeholders in Bamaina, the hometown of former Jigawa State governor and PDP leader, Alhaji Sule Lamido.

“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.

He explained that his political ambition is motivated by a desire to continue to serve his people after decades of distinguished national service.

According to him, his aspiration is rooted in his conviction that the knowledge, experience, and leadership skills acquired over the years should now be deployed towards effective legislative representation and constituency development.

Abba also recalled that his previous senatorial ambition under the APC in 2019 was frustrated despite successfully passing the party’s screening process.

He maintained that joining the PDP provides him with a fair opportunity to pursue his aspiration and contribute meaningfully to the development of Jigawa South-West and Jigawa State.

His distinguished career in public service

IGP Suleiman Abba, a lawyer, is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished police officers, with a career spanning over three decades.

Besides his training as a lawyer, he was also a member of the National Institute (MNI), aside from his service in several strategic operational and administrative capacities before becoming the 17th Indigenous Inspector-General of Police in 2014.

During his years in the Nigeria Police Force, he held sensitive appointments, including Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7, Abuja, and later Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).

As Inspector-General of Police, Abba was widely recognised for promoting professionalism, discipline, intelligence-led policing, community engagement and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening public confidence in the police.

Following his retirement from active service, he was appointed Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, where he contributed to efforts aimed at improving police welfare, capacity building, training and logistics support.

His outstanding public service earned him several honours and recognitions, including the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), in addition to numerous professional awards and commendations from security institutions and civic organisations within and outside Nigeria.

Growing grassroots profile

Political observers believe that his extensive experience in national security management, conflict resolution, public administration and leadership has positioned him as one of the most experienced aspirants seeking elective office in Jigawa State.

Although best known for his security career, Abba has in recent years intensified his humanitarian and community engagements across Jigawa State. He recently donated cash assistance to victims of the devastating windstorm that affected more than 120 communities across the state, killing seven persons, injuring over 50 others and displacing more than 5,400 residents.

During the sympathy visit to Kwaimawa community in Dutse Local Government Area, the former police chief described the tragedy as a painful reminder of the unpredictability of natural disasters and called on public office holders to stand with affected communities during difficult times.

He has also embarked on similar humanitarian interventions in flood-affected communities in Jahun Local Government Area as well as the support rendered to vulnerable families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These humanitarian activities, observers say, have strengthened his grassroots acceptance and reinforced his image as a leader committed to public service beyond political considerations.

Supporters getting upbeat

Activities of the former IGP such as those listed above have bolstered his image considerably among the people of the state. Not a few were expressing the view that he was even expected to contest the governorship seat, going by his acceptability across the zones.

Such developments gingered the reaction of one of his supporters, Abdullahi Hassan Fagam from Gwaram Local Government Area, who described the former police chief as a leader with exceptional experience capable of providing effective representation in the National Assembly.

In a political opinion shared on social media (Facebook), Fagam argued that Abba’s decades of national service, administrative competence and extensive network would enable him to attract development projects and contribute meaningfully to legislative debates.

According to him, Jigawa South-West Senatorial District requires a senator with integrity, experience and the capacity to influence national policy for the benefit of the people.

Lamido welcomes development

Former Governor Sule Lamido, who is the leader of the PDP in the state, described Abba’s entry into the party as a major addition to PDP’s growing political strength in Jigawa State.

He assured the former Inspector-General of equal treatment within the party, stressing that both old and new members would enjoy the same rights and opportunities.

Lamido also expressed confidence that Abba’s experience, credibility and wide national acceptance would further enhance PDP’s electoral prospects as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

With his impressive record in public service, national honours, leadership credentials and increasing grassroots engagements, many political observers believe that ex-IGP Suleiman Abba’s entry into the senatorial race has significantly heightened political competition in Jigawa South-West zone and could pose one of the strongest electoral challenges yet to the ruling APC in the district.

At the same time, analysts note that the outcome of the election will ultimately depend on voter preferences, party organisation, campaign dynamics and developments as the 2027 polls draw closer.

The Hurdles Before Abba’s 2027 Senate Ambition

Despite the enthusiasm generated by Barrister Suleiman Abba’s entry into the PDP, political analysts believe the former Inspector-General of Police faces significant obstacles in his quest to represent Jigawa South-West Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

Foremost among the challenges is the formidable strength of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which currently controls both the Federal Government and the Jigawa State government.

The ruling party is expected to deploy its extensive political structures, grassroots network, incumbency advantage and campaign resources in what is likely to be one of the most closely watched senatorial contests in the state.

Another factor is Abba’s status as a first-time elective office seeker. Although he enjoyed a distinguished career in public service, electoral politics presents a different terrain that requires extensive grassroots mobilisation, coalition-building, ward-level organisation and sustained engagement with voters.

Political observers also note that Abba’s disciplined background as a career police officer, while widely admired, could present unique political challenges. Unlike politics, which often demands constant negotiation, compromise and management of diverse political interests, law enforcement operates within a more structured and command-driven environment.

His prolonged service outside Jigawa State in various national assignments has also meant that he has spent relatively little time participating in day-to-day grassroots political activities within the senatorial district.

Consequently, some analysts believe he will need to deepen his engagement with local communities and strengthen relationships with ward executives, party stakeholders, opinion leaders, youth groups and women organisations across the district.

In addition, Abba is expected to contend with experienced local politicians who have spent years building political structures and maintaining regular contact with constituents. Winning over these established political networks may prove crucial to his electoral success.

Nevertheless, supporters argue that these challenges are not insurmountable. They point to his national stature, reputation for integrity, administrative experience, humanitarian interventions and growing acceptance within the PDP as assets capable of attracting broad public support.

So far, Abba’s entry into the senatorial race is not only exciting to the people of his constituency, but particularly intriguing in the politics of Jigawa State. Sources said that his participation in the process leading to the 2027 contest is already providing a huge challenge to the status quo, something which the ruling party has not faced in recent times.

His entry is also serving as a huge plus to the sector he represents.The police.  The fact that a man who has served at the highest echelons of the police can seek political office through elections is a plus to the way the civil populace perceives the organisation. In the build-up to the 2027 election so far, many retired policemen have put themselves forward for elective offices in Nasarawa, Oyo and Jigawa. The development could brand the Police Force as a veritable training ground for leadership recruitment. It is expected that he would bring his knowledge in tactical and strategic organisation to bear on the Jigawa polity when the election finally kicks off.  

As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election, many believe Abba’s ability to blend his record of public service with effective grassroots mobilisation, strategic political alliances and sustained engagement with the electorate will largely determine whether he can convert his popularity into electoral victory.