THOUSANDS of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jigawa State on Sunday converged in large numbers to endorse Mustapha Sule Lamido as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 general election, as he pledged to “rebuild Jigawa into a state that works for all.”
News Point Nigeria reports that the opposition party held its governorship primary election in Dutse, the state capital, drawing members and supporters from across the 287 wards of the state.
The atmosphere at the M-Town Centre, venue of the exercise, was filled with a heavy turnout of delegates and party faithful who trooped in for the affirmation of Lamido as the sole aspirant ahead of the 2027 race.
The exercise, which attracted broad institutional attention, was observed by representatives of the PDP national headquarters, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and other stakeholders, underscoring the formal and closely monitored nature of the process.
Shortly after his affirmation, Lamido—son of former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido—expressed deep appreciation to party members for the confidence placed in him, describing the moment as both humbling and weighty. “I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility,” he said, before formally accepting the mandate as the party’s governorship flag bearer for the 2027 election.
He recalled his earlier participation in the 2023 governorship race under the PDP, noting that the party had campaigned on unity, hope, reform, and the promise of a better Jigawa. While acknowledging that victory was not achieved at the time, he maintained that the experience built a strong foundation and earned significant public confidence.
According to him, the party’s return to the contest was driven by the persistence of challenges in the state, including hardship, poor governance, and what he described as insensitive leadership that continues to affect citizens.
Lamido reaffirmed his commitment to the vision outlined in his 2023 action plan, which he said focused on unity, economic growth, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, social revival, and institutional reform. He stressed that, “These are not mere promises; they are a contract with the people, and I intend to see them through,” adding that the condition of the state remained troubling, with declining educational standards, a struggling healthcare system, and worsening hardship.
Yet, he was firm in tone about the party’s direction forward. “But let me be clear: we are not here to lament; we are here to fix it,” he declared, insisting that the mission was to restore competence in governance, dignity in public service, and renewed hope among the people.
He further stated that the party’s goal was to rebuild Jigawa into a state that works for all, where leadership is accountable, resources are responsibly managed, and opportunities are accessible to every citizen. He emphasized that his candidacy was not driven by personal ambition, but by a collective resolve to rescue, rebuild, and reposition the state for sustainable development.
Calling for unity within the party, Lamido urged members to remain committed, noting that success in 2027 would depend on discipline, cohesion, and shared belief in a better future. “To the people of Jigawa: I hear you, I see you, and I feel your pains. Give me the opportunity to serve you,” he appealed.
He also commended the PDP leadership at both national and state levels for ensuring a peaceful and orderly primary process, while congratulating other aspirants who participated in the exercise. He concluded with optimism, saying, “Together, we will rise and rebuild our dear state.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee sent from the PDP national headquarters, Isah Ahmed, who supervised the exercise and announced the outcome, declared Lamido the consensus candidate following a voice vote by party members.
“Following the affirmation by PDP members through a voice vote, I hereby declare Mustapha Sule Lamido the duly affirmed governorship candidate of our great party for Jigawa State,” Ahmed announced.