Jigawa PDP open to candidate swaps ahead of 2027 elections

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jigawa State says it is open to swapping some of its candidates as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governorship candidate of the party, Mustapha Sule Lamido, disclosed this while speaking during the Jigawa South-West stakeholders’ meeting and the formal swapping of senatorial candidate Aminu Wada Abubakar with former Inspector-General of Police Suleiman Abba on Saturday.

He said the party was committed to ensuring victory in the 2027 general elections.

According to him, “PDP is still expanding its hands to reach more politicians to make the party stronger to ensure its victory in the 2027 election.

“Discussions are currently ongoing with some prominent politicians who may join the PDP and some may also take the place of some of its existing candidates.”

He explained that replacing any candidate did not mean the individual had no relevance, but was aimed at giving everyone an opportunity to contribute towards the unity and victory of the party.

“”It is not only about the candidature; there are many ways one can contribute to the party. We assure you that whoever supports the party will be recognised and rewarded,” he said.

Also speaking, the Jigawa State PDP chairman, Hon. Babandi Ibrahim Gimel, said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had given the party the power to nominate candidates at any time within the stipulated period.

He said although the nomination process had already taken place through the party’s primary election, there was still another window during which the party could replace candidates.

According to him, “In Jigawa, two replacements have taken place so far, Aminu Wada Abubakar candidate for Jigawa South West Senatorial was replaced with former IGP Suleiman Abba, and Aminu Wada Abubakar is now candidate for Dutse/Kiyawa House of Representatives ticket.”

“We are still searching for more candidates, and we are hopeful that we will get them,” he added.