By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
A former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Jigawa Central Senatorial District, Suleman Abba, has said he risked his career to defend democracy by protecting credible elections and ensuring that legitimate election results were respected.
Abba said Nigeria’s democracy could only be sustained when elections were free, fair and acceptable, warning that electoral manipulation and the rejection of legitimate results threatened the country’s democratic development.
The former police chief spoke during his campaign tour of Birninkudu and Gwaram local government areas of Jigawa State, where he cited his record in the Nigeria Police Force as evidence of his commitment to defending democratic principles, particularly during the 2015 general elections.
He said his professional experience, educational qualifications and leadership record had prepared him for the Senate, where he promised to pursue effective representation and address critical challenges confronting his constituents and the country.
Explaining his campaign strategy, the PDP candidate said he began consultations with traditional rulers before the formal commencement of campaigns, followed by engagements with various groups, political associates and other stakeholders.
He said that after campaigns officially commenced on the 19th of the previous month, he held an international press conference and proceeded to meet nearly 50 groups and associates, sometimes engaging them almost daily.
According to him, the strategy was designed to establish direct contact with stakeholders before taking his campaign to local government areas and communities across the senatorial district.
Abba said the approach had enabled him to build on earlier consultations at the state and senatorial levels while strengthening his engagement with grassroots political structures.
Commenting on his reception during the campaign rally in Gwaram, he said the turnout of women and other residents expressing support for his candidacy had encouraged him.
He added that the prayers and assurances of support from residents had strengthened his determination to provide effective representation if elected.
The former IGP said his emergence as the PDP’s flag bearer reflected the confidence party stakeholders had placed in his experience, track record and ability to speak firmly on issues affecting the country.
“People had chosen quality even before anybody started talking about choosing quality. That is why they brought me up as their candidate,” he said.
Abba attributed his campaign strategy to his professional training and understanding of how to develop and implement effective plans, adding that the approach had attracted the attention of political observers.
He also expressed confidence in his chances, citing opinion polls which, he claimed, placed him in a favourable position in the contest.
The PDP candidate said his legislative agenda would prioritise security, education, employment, healthcare and agriculture, with the fight against insecurity taking precedence.
He stressed that peace and stability were essential for sustainable development, adding that he would draw on his policing experience and legislative position to advocate practical solutions to the challenges facing Jigawa Central.
Abba pledged to work towards improving the welfare of his constituents through effective representation and policies that would address their needs and promote development across the senatorial district.
