By Musa Baba Adamu with agency report
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), has moved to project unity ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Jigawa State by affirming Mustapha Sule Lamido as its sole candidate through a consensus arrangement.
The affirmation, announced on Sunday by the chairman of the party’s primary election committee, Isah Ahmad, signals the PDP’s early attempt to consolidate its structure and avoid internal divisions before the governorship contest.
Ahmad said Lamido emerged as the party’s candidate in accordance with the PDP constitution and relevant electoral provisions, noting that the exercise was conducted in the presence of security agencies and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC).
He praised party leaders and members for what he described as their commitment to unity and internal harmony in the state.
Lamido, in his acceptance speech, used the occasion to renew his criticism of the current state of governance in Jigawa, arguing that worsening economic hardship and social challenges justified his return to the governorship race.
According to him, the issues he raised during the 2023 governorship campaign remain unresolved, citing hardship, poor governance and declining public services as major concerns confronting residents.
“We are back in the race today because the problems and challenges bedeviling our dear state are still with us, like the unprecedented hardship, bad governance and insensitive leadership,” he said.
The PDP candidate also pointed to what he described as deteriorating standards in education and healthcare, while promising reforms centred on economic growth, youth empowerment, institutional reforms and social development if elected in 2027.
Political observers say the consensus endorsement may strengthen the PDP’s chances of presenting a united front against its rivals as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next general election in Jigawa State.
