Jigawa ADC Chieftain Warns: PDP's Strength, Internal Rifts Jeopardize 2027 Ambitions

Nasiru Laraba, a prominent figure within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Jigawa State, has raised an alarm, stating that the rise of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Mustapha Lamido, presents a significant challenge to the ADC's prospects in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

Laraba's cautionary statement comes as political parties nationwide, including those in Jigawa State, ramp up their activities and commence early campaigns in anticipation of the 2027 polls. He articulated these concerns during his appearance on a special Hausa political programme broadcast by Freedom Radio Dutse on Saturday.

According to Laraba, the PDP is currently gathering considerable momentum, a development that could severely undermine the ADC's efforts if the internal disputes plaguing the party are not swiftly addressed. He pointed to the massive attendance at the inauguration of the 45-member PDP governorship campaign council in the state last Friday as clear evidence of the opposition party's enduring strength.

“We saw what happened at the inauguration of the PDP campaign council. The turnout was massive, and that shows PDP is still very strong. That emergence is a threat to ADC,” Laraba stated.

He openly acknowledged that the ADC is currently grappling with internal strife, which he believes is weakening its standing within the state. Laraba attributed this crisis to the self-serving actions of certain party leaders who, he claims, have failed to prioritize the collective interests of the party.

A significant issue highlighted by Laraba is the unresolved dispute surrounding the deputy governorship position. He explained that while the party and its governorship candidate had formally endorsed and prepared Aminu Ringim as the running mate, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had already published a different name on its final list of candidates.

“This deputy governor issue is yet to be resolved by the party. We have two faces now, and INEC has already posted one name, but our candidate remained silent. This is a confusion,” Laraba lamented.

This ongoing crisis, he added, has fostered divisions among party members and supporters across all 27 local government areas of the state. Laraba also expressed dismay over what he described as the neglect of some of the party’s pioneering members, including Honourable Adamu Jumbo.

He recalled that Jumbo was instrumental in establishing the ADC in Jigawa State and had contested the party’s governorship ticket for 2027, ultimately losing to Sabo Nakudu. Despite Jumbo's contributions, Laraba noted that party stakeholders have failed to reconcile him and his loyal supporters with the victorious candidate after the primary.

“Adamu Jumbo is a founding father. He brought ADC to Jigawa. He contested and lost to Sabo Nakudu, but up till now nobody has reconciled him. His supporters are angry,” Laraba revealed.

While Jumbo has refrained from taking any overt action against the party, such as legal challenges or defection, Laraba cautioned that his silence should not be misinterpreted as an indication that all is well. “Jumbo has not fought the party; he did not go to court, he did not leave. But his people are not happy, and we have abandoned him,” he emphasized.

Beyond the deputy governorship and Jumbo's situation, Laraba warned that several other factors are contributing to the ADC's dwindling fortunes. He predicted that if the internal crisis persists, the PDP would readily exploit the ADC's divisions to its advantage in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

Consequently, Laraba urged the national and state leadership of the ADC to intervene promptly and resolve these internal disputes to safeguard the party's future. “If we don’t fix our house now, this PDP candidate will be a big threat to us. We must unite or we will lose before the election,” he concluded.