2027: PDP Reshuffles National Assembly Candidates

Abuja, Nigeria 🇳🇬 July 19, 2026

The Jigawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced changes to some of its National Assembly candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party said the adjustments were made as part of efforts to strengthen its electoral chances and field candidates considered capable of winning their respective constituencies.

The changes were disclosed by the Jigawa State PDP Chairman, Hon. Babandi Ibrahim, following a stakeholders’ meeting of the Jigawa South-West Senatorial District held at the party secretariat in Dutse.

Former IGP Suleiman Abba Gets Jigawa Central Ticket

Under the new arrangement, former Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has replaced Aminu Wada Abubakar as the PDP candidate for the Jigawa Central Senatorial District.

Aminu Wada Abubakar, who had previously been positioned for the senatorial contest, has now been moved to contest the Dutse/Kiyawa Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

The PDP leadership explained that the changes followed an assessment of the party’s strength and the suitability of its candidates across the various constituencies.

PDP Says More Changes Possible

The state party chairman said the latest adjustment was not necessarily the final list, indicating that further changes could still be made before the relevant deadline for candidate substitution.

According to the party leadership, consultations with stakeholders are continuing, while the PDP remains focused on presenting candidates capable of improving its chances against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.

The party's position comes amid increasing political activities across Jigawa State as parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.

Party Calls for Unity

Speaking at the gathering, the PDP governorship candidate in Jigawa State, Mustapha Sule Lamido, urged party members to remain united despite changes in the party's candidate lineup.

Lamido reportedly cautioned members against interpreting candidate substitutions as a rejection or loss of relevance of those affected.

He said party members could continue to contribute to the success of the PDP even when they were not contesting a particular position.

The PDP leadership also appealed to supporters to put the party’s collective interest above individual ambitions as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.

Political Significance

The latest development is significant because Jigawa remains an important political battleground in the North-West, with the PDP seeking to rebuild its structure and challenge the dominance of the APC.

The decision to move Aminu Wada Abubakar from the senatorial race to the House of Representatives contest also suggests that the PDP is attempting to strategically position its candidates according to perceived electoral strength in individual constituencies.

The party's leadership has maintained that the changes are part of its broader strategy to improve its performance at the polls.

As the 2027 elections approach, political parties are expected to continue reviewing their candidates and strategies, particularly while the window for lawful substitution and adjustment remains open.

Orbit News 24 will continue to monitor developments surrounding the 2027 elections and bring you updates as political parties finalise their candidates and campaign strategies.