Former IGP Suleiman Abba dumps APC for PDP

Former Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba (retd.), has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Abba announced his defection on Saturday during a courtesy visit to elder statesman and founding PDP member, Sule Lamido, at his hometown of Bamaina in Jigawa State.

The former police chief said his decision was driven by his desire to continue serving his people, following growing calls from his constituents to contest the Jigawa South-West Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

According to him, his previous attempt to secure the APC senatorial ticket was unsuccessful despite meeting all the screening requirements.

“You are aware that I aspired to become a senator under the APC, but unfortunately, I was not even allowed to participate in the primary election after successfully passing the screening process. My motivation has always been to serve my community, and with the experience, education, and good health that God has blessed me with, I have decided to join the PDP, where my contributions will be appreciated,” Abba said.

Speaking during the event, Sule Lamido described Abba’s defection as a significant gain for the PDP as preparations for the 2027 elections gathered momentum.

“This is a major catch for the PDP. A personality with Abba’s credentials brings credibility, experience, and wider acceptance to our party,” Lamido stated.

He also expressed optimism that more politicians would join the PDP, pointing to the presence of the party’s governorship candidates from Kano, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe and Jigawa states at the gathering as evidence of growing political alignment across the region.

Similarly, the Jigawa State Chairman of the PDP, Babandi Gumel, said the party had commenced efforts to integrate Abba and his supporters into its structures across the state.

“With the entry of IGP Abba and his numerous supporters, the PDP is becoming stronger, particularly in Jigawa South-West,” Gumel said.