Senator Mustapha Khabeeb, popularly known as Senator Zanna, has been replaced as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Jigawa South-West Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections. The PDP officially affirmed Aminu Wada, a close ally of the party’s gubernatorial candidate Mustapha Sule Lamido, as the new standard-bearer for the zone. This decision follows the revelation that Senator Zanna did not purchase the nomination form or take part in the party’s primary election process, effectively signaling his withdrawal from the race. He was the only PDP senator elected from Jigawa State in the 2023 general elections, making his exit a significant development in the state’s political landscape.
The move to replace Senator Zanna comes amid growing dissatisfaction among some of his constituents, who have openly criticized his performance and called for his replacement. These criticisms reportedly played a role in the party’s decision to field a new candidate. The PDP’s selection process for the senatorial candidates was conducted through consensus arrangements within the party, according to Babandi Ibrahim Gumel, the PDP State Chairman. He commended the process for being peaceful and inclusive, emphasizing that all three senatorial candidates were chosen through internal party negotiations.
In addition to Aminu Wada for Jigawa South-West, the PDP also affirmed Dr. Aminu Taura as the candidate for Jigawa North-West and Salisu Mamuda for Jigawa North-East. These appointments reflect the party’s strategic approach to consolidating its support base ahead of the 2027 elections. At the affirmation ceremony held in Dutse, Mustapha Sule Lamido expressed confidence that the PDP would retain the senatorial seat, describing the Jigawa South-West zone as a stronghold of the party. He dismissed claims by the All Progressives Congress (APC) state chairman that the ruling party would reclaim the district in the next election cycle.
Lamido urged party members to remain united and focused on ensuring a victory for the PDP in the upcoming elections. His remarks underscore the party’s determination to maintain its political dominance in the state. The selection of Wada, who is closely aligned with Lamido, signals a strategic alignment within the PDP leadership as it prepares for the next electoral cycle. With the party’s senatorial candidates now officially confirmed, attention turns to campaign preparations and voter mobilization efforts across the state.
This development marks a pivotal moment in Jigawa State politics, as the PDP seeks to solidify its position ahead of the 2027 elections. The party’s ability to manage internal transitions and respond to public sentiment will be key to its success in the coming years.
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