By Ali Rabiu Ali, Dutse
Retired Inspector-General of Police, IGP Suleiman Abba, has declared his intention to contest the Jigawa Central Senatorial District seat on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), promising to provide quality representation and champion legislation that will improve the living standards of his constituents.
Abba made the declaration on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, while addressing journalists at a press conference to formally announce the commencement of his senatorial campaign.
The former police chief said the conference was convened for three major reasons, including expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah for making his ambition to contest for the Senate a reality, informing the public that the necessary changes concerning his candidacy had been effected in line with the provisions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and officially commencing his campaign.
He said his name had been officially reflected on the INEC portal as the candidate seeking the PDP ticket to represent Jigawa Central in the Senate.
Abba appealed for the support and cooperation of the people, saying his ambition was not only about personal success but about building a future that would benefit the people of the constituency, including generations yet unborn.
The retired IGP said he would conduct his campaign in a peaceful, lawful and respectful manner, drawing from his 31 years of experience as a law enforcement officer.
He urged his supporters and political opponents to respect the law and avoid actions capable of undermining the electoral process.
Abba, however, warned against any attempt to manipulate the outcome of the election, saying he understood how electoral fraud could be investigated and prosecuted.
According to him, his experience in policing and his role as chairman of the planning committee for election security during the 2015 general elections had given him extensive knowledge of the electoral process.
He warned those contemplating manipulating election results to desist, while stressing that his campaign would remain within the law.
The former police chief said his major objective was to ensure quality representation for the people of Jigawa Central if elected.
He promised to pursue legislation and policies that would promote national development, protect the culture and religion of his constituents and improve their socio-economic wellbeing.
Abba said he would prioritise youth employment, education, healthcare and agriculture, which he described as the backbone of the economy of his people.
He promised to work towards attracting the establishment of educational institutions, ranging from secondary schools to universities, as well as improving healthcare facilities across the constituency.
On agriculture, he pledged to pursue initiatives that would expand access to farmland and improve farmers’ access to fertilisers, chemicals, tractors and other modern agricultural inputs needed to increase production.
Promises modern livestock development
Abba also pledged to support the modernisation of livestock production, saying his background had given him an understanding of pastoral communities and their way of life.
He promised to promote better opportunities for livestock farmers and ensure that the younger generation had access to education and opportunities to achieve more than previous generations.
Security expertise to be brought to bear
Security, he said, would remain one of his major priorities, stressing that the challenges facing Jigawa and other parts of the North-West and North-Central regions required urgent and sustainable solutions.
Abba said his decades of experience in policing would be brought to bear in addressing security challenges through effective legislation and policies at the National Assembly.
He promised to support measures aimed at eliminating factors responsible for insecurity and creating an environment where citizens could pursue their livelihoods without fear.
The former IGP said his ultimate vision was to provide qualitative representation that would translate into improved living standards for the people of Jigawa Central.
He urged the electorate to support his ambition, assuring them that his intention was to serve the constituency and contribute to the development of the country.
