Written By Ahmed Rufa’i in Dutse
Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Jigawa Southwest, Suleiman Abba, has formally launched his campaign for the 2027 National Assembly elections, pledging a peaceful and issue-based contest.
Abba, who unveiled his manifesto and campaign agenda at a press briefing in Dutse on Wednesday, warned politicians and their supporters against election rigging, violence and the use of thugs during the electoral process.
The former police chief said his 31-year career in law enforcement had equipped him with adequate knowledge of security and electoral processes, stressing that his campaign would operate strictly within the law.
He said: “We are going to see one of the most peaceful conduct of campaigns. We are going to do it according to the law, we are going to be fair and we are going to be respectful.”
Abba, who was Chairman of the Planning Committee for the Security of the 2015 elections, warned against any attempt to manipulate election results in the senatorial district.
“I know how it is done, I know how it is investigated and I know how culprits are prosecuted. Don’t dare touch my results,” he said.
He, however, stressed that despite the warning, he remained committed to a peaceful campaign and would not encourage his supporters to resort to violence.
“Tell your thugs, we are not going to use thugs. If you are using thugs, tell them to distance themselves from me. The law will take its course,” Abba said.
The PDP candidate said he decided to commence his campaign with a media briefing to present his vision and manifesto to the people and enable voters to make informed decisions ahead of the election.
Abba said his ambition was guided by the fear of God, which he attributed to his Islamic education and personal values.
He said his academic background in history and law, coupled with his experience in policing and public service, would enable him to provide effective representation if elected.
“I have a degree in history, which is relevant to what I will meet at the National Assembly because knowing your people, knowing your country, knowing your neighbours and knowing the global structure will help,” he said.
The former IGP, who was called to the Nigerian Bar 20 years ago, said his legal knowledge would also strengthen his contribution to lawmaking and legislative oversight.
He pledged to provide “qualitative representation” by supporting laws that would promote national development while protecting the culture, religion and interests of his constituents.
Abba listed youth employment, education, healthcare and agriculture among his priority areas if elected.
He promised to pursue initiatives that would create employment opportunities for youths and improve access to education, including the establishment of new schools and higher institutions where necessary.
On healthcare, he pledged to seek the upgrading of health facilities across the senatorial district and improve access to quality medical services.
He described agriculture as the backbone of the economy of his constituents and promised to support farmers with improved access to farmland, fertiliser, chemicals, tractors and other agricultural inputs.
The former police boss also pledged to promote the modernisation of livestock production and improve the welfare of pastoral communities.
Abba said his ultimate objective was to ensure that the people of Jigawa Southwest received effective representation and better opportunities, particularly for youths and future generations.
