Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Jigawa State, Mustapha Sule Lamido, has secured clearance to contest the party’s governorship primary ahead of the 2027 elections.

Lamido was screened and cleared by the PDP screening committee in Abuja on Thursday, positioning him as the party’s leading contender for the Jigawa governorship ticket.

The PDP primary election in the state is scheduled for May 21, with Lamido emerging as the only aspirant screened for the race.

His clearance now places him on course to challenge the incumbent governor, Umar Namadi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the 2027 governorship election.

Speaking after the exercise, Lamido said his decision to return to the race was inspired by what he described as the urgent need for purposeful leadership and meaningful change in Jigawa State.

According to him, the state deserves leadership that prioritises the welfare of ordinary citizens and focuses on development-driven governance.

The PDP chieftain also criticised the growing rate of political defections across the country, arguing that many politicians no longer operate based on ideology or principle.

Lamido said a new generation of politicians was determined to reshape Nigeria’s political culture through commitment, courage and people-oriented leadership.

He maintained that the PDP remains the strongest opposition platform capable of offering Nigerians a credible alternative.

The former governorship candidate expressed confidence in the party’s structure and support base in Jigawa, insisting that the 

PDP is well-positioned to improve on its performance in the next election cycle.

He recalled that the party polled more than 400,000 votes during the last governorship election in the state, adding that growing dissatisfaction among residents could strengthen the opposition’s chances in 2027.

Lamido further stated that many Jigawa residents are eager for a fresh political direction and stronger opposition politics ahead of the next governorship contest.