The Jigawa State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to unseat Governor Umar Namadi in the 2027 general election.
It will be recalled that Namadi was elected in 2023 with 618,449 votes, defeating his closest rival, Mustapha Sule Lamido of the PDP, who polled 368,726 votes. Namadi was sworn into office on May 29, 2023.
The PDP’s declaration was made in a Facebook post on Sunday by the party’s Deputy Chairman in the state, Umar Danjani, on his official Facebook account.
Danjani cited several past electoral upsets where incumbent governors from opposing parties were defeated, even when the president belonged to their party.
The PDP stalwart, who expressed confidence in his party’s ability to reclaim Jigawa in 2027, drew parallels with the 2019 elections, when Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the PDP defeated Governor Jibrilla Bindow of the APC in Adamawa State.
He also referenced the 2015 election of Governor Abdulaziz Yari, who won despite the then-President being a member of the PDP.
Danjani further cited the victories of Governor Bala Mohammed (Bauchi State) and Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo State) in 2019, and Governor Ademola Adeleke’s 2022 win in Osun State, where he defeated Governor Gboyega Oyetola of the APC despite the then-President being from the APC.
He also mentioned Malam Ibrahim Shekarau’s 2003 victory in Kano under the ANPP, where he defeated the incumbent Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the PDP, despite the then-President being a PDP member.
Using these examples, Danjani expressed confidence that the PDP would emerge victorious in Jigawa in 2027. He concluded his statement with a prayer: “May Allah increase our victory.”
As the 2027 election draws closer, both parties are expected to intensify their campaigns. The PDP’s declaration has added a new dimension to the political landscape in the state and across the country.
Reacting to the development in a telephone interview with our correspondent, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State, Aminu Gumel, described the PDP’s claim as unrealistic and unfounded.
He said that under Governor Namadi’s leadership, Jigawa State has witnessed significant achievements that have transformed the lives of its citizens.
Gumel highlighted the trust and confidence the people have in Namadi’s leadership, noting that the governor’s policies and programs have endeared him to the populace.
“We are not bothered by the PDP’s challenge. We know that Jigawa State is in good hands and that Governor Namadi’s leadership has brought about meaningful progress. The people of Jigawa believe in the APC and trust Governor Namadi to deliver yet another strong performance in 2027,” he said.
According to him, the APC-led government in the state has been working tirelessly to meet the needs and aspirations of the people, and its efforts have yielded positive results.
Furthermore, Gumel dismissed the PDP’s challenge, describing it as wishful thinking rather than a reflection of political reality.
He reiterated the APC’s confidence in Governor Namadi’s ability to secure victory in 2027, citing the governor’s popularity and the party’s strong grassroots support.
The APC chairman concluded by reaffirming the party’s commitment to serving the people of Jigawa State and building on the progress already made.
He urged citizens to remain steadfast in their support for Governor Namadi and the APC, assuring them that the party would continue working for their well-being and prosperity.
