2027: Lamido Vows to Dislodge APC, Reclaim Jigawa for PDP

Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has vowed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will reclaim control of the state in the 2027 general elections, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of reversing gains in governance and failing to meet the expectations of residents.

Lamido made the declaration during the inauguration of the PDP Campaign Council in Dutse, the state capital, where he criticised the performance of the APC-led administration, particularly in healthcare, education and the provision of essential public services.

The former governor said the PDP was determined to return to power and restore what he described as the lost progress in the state's development, insisting that Jigawa needed a government committed to the welfare of its people, peaceful coexistence and accountable leadership.

“Unfortunately, Jigawa State has been taken backwards under the present administration. We are determined to restore the state to its rightful position in governance, development, unity and peaceful coexistence,” Lamido said.

His declaration signals the PDP's intention to mount a strong challenge against the APC in Jigawa as political parties begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The APC currently controls the state government, and the PDP's challenge will depend on its ability to mobilise supporters, present a convincing alternative and persuade voters that it can deliver better governance.

Lamido Questions APC's Performance

At the campaign council inauguration, Lamido expressed concern over the condition of public healthcare facilities and schools, alleging that residents were experiencing setbacks in sectors that directly affect their quality of life.

He claimed that hospitals lacked adequate services while schools continued to deteriorate, arguing that the situation raised questions about the priorities of the current administration.

According to him, access to quality healthcare and education should remain central to government policy because of their importance to human development, economic opportunities and the overall wellbeing of the population.

Lamido maintained that the people of Jigawa deserved a government that would pay greater attention to their everyday needs rather than allow essential public services to decline.

However, the allegations represent the former governor's assessment of the APC administration's performance. An independent assessment of the condition of healthcare facilities, schools and other public services would be necessary to establish the extent of the alleged setbacks.

The APC and the state government would also have an opportunity to respond to the criticisms and present their records on infrastructure, education, healthcare and other development programmes.

Nevertheless, Lamido's remarks indicate that the performance of the incumbent government is likely to feature prominently in the PDP's campaign strategy as the 2027 elections approach.

PDP Promises People-Oriented Governance

The former governor expressed confidence in the PDP's capacity to provide an alternative administration, arguing that the party had experienced leaders capable of delivering accountable and people-oriented governance.

He accused the APC administration of failing the people and promised that a PDP government would prioritise the welfare of all residents, irrespective of their political affiliations.

“The APC administration has failed the people of Jigawa State. Our administration will prioritise the welfare of all residents, regardless of political affiliation,” he stated.

The promise suggests that the PDP intends to make inclusiveness and social welfare central themes of its campaign, particularly in a state where access to public services and development opportunities will be important considerations for voters.

For the opposition party, however, translating such assurances into electoral support will require more than criticism of the incumbent government. It will need to demonstrate how its proposed policies would address the challenges identified by Lamido, including the provision of better healthcare, improvements in educational standards and more effective delivery of public services.

The party will also have to convince voters that it has the political cohesion, organisational strength and credible leadership required to compete effectively against the APC.

Lamido's intervention could help energise the PDP's supporters, given his experience as a former governor and his continued involvement in the state's politics. Whether that influence will translate into electoral gains remains to be seen.

Peaceful Campaign, Lamido Assures

Beyond his criticism of the APC, Lamido pledged that the PDP would conduct its campaign peacefully and urged party members to avoid intimidation, personal attacks and other conduct capable of creating tension.

He said the party's objective was not merely to win political power but also to restore the dignity of Nigeria and Jigawa State through unity, mutual understanding and responsible political engagement.

“Our campaigns will be conducted peacefully, with respect, unity and mutual understanding. Our primary objective is to restore the dignity of Nigeria and Jigawa State,” he added.

The pledge comes as political parties prepare for another cycle of intense competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Campaign activities often heighten political rivalries, particularly in states where parties are seeking to dislodge incumbents or retain control of government. Lamido's appeal for peaceful conduct therefore places responsibility on PDP members to ensure that their mobilisation efforts do not degenerate into hostility against political opponents.

It also presents an opportunity for the party to distinguish its campaign by focusing on policy proposals, public accountability and issues affecting residents rather than personal disputes.

The effectiveness of the commitment will ultimately depend on how party leaders, candidates and supporters conduct themselves during rallies, political meetings and other campaign activities.

2027: PDP Faces Task of Reclaiming Jigawa

The PDP's ambition to return to power in Jigawa reflects the broader struggle among political parties to strengthen their positions ahead of the 2027 elections.

For the party, reclaiming the state will require a campaign capable of turning dissatisfaction with the incumbent government, where it exists, into concrete electoral support.

Lamido's criticisms of healthcare, education and public services provide a possible framework for the opposition's campaign. But the PDP will need to support its arguments with verifiable evidence and clear proposals that explain how it intends to improve the sectors it says have suffered under the APC.

The party must also demonstrate that its own record in government offers lessons and practical solutions for the challenges facing the state. Voters will be entitled to compare the performance of successive administrations, assess their promises and determine which party presents the most credible path to development.

For the APC, the former governor's declaration is a reminder that its performance will be scrutinised as the election approaches. The ruling party will need to defend its record and explain its policies on essential services, infrastructure and the welfare of residents.

Ultimately, the contest will be decided not by the strength of political declarations alone but by the ability of the competing parties to win public confidence.

Lamido has made clear that the PDP intends to challenge the APC's hold on Jigawa in 2027. Whether the party can turn that ambition into electoral victory will depend on its organisation, the credibility of its candidates, the strength of its campaign and the judgement of voters at the ballot box.