Former senator, Senator Muhammad Sabo Nakudu, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Jigawa State after securing a decisive victory in the party’s primary election.
The primary election, which was conducted across the state under the supervision of party officials and electoral monitors, ended with Nakudu polling a total of 35,939 votes to defeat his rival, Bashir Adamu Jumbo, who garnered 19,537 votes.
The result was officially announced at the party’s collation centre in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, by the Chief Returning Officer, DIG Zaki Ahmed (retd.).
Ahmed disclosed that a total of 55,476 valid votes were recorded during the exercise, describing the process as peaceful, transparent, and reflective of the democratic wishes of party members across the state.
According to the returning officer, “Bashir Adamu Jumbo secured 19,537 votes, while Senator Sabo Muhammad Nakudu polled 35,939 votes to emerge as the duly elected governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 general election in Jigawa State.”
The declaration triggered celebrations among supporters of the former senator, many of whom gathered around the collation venue chanting party slogans and expressing confidence that the ADC would become a formidable political force in the state ahead of the next election cycle.
Nakudu, a former lawmaker with extensive political experience, is expected to lead the party into what political observers describe as a highly competitive governorship contest in Jigawa State. His emergence is already generating discussions within political circles regarding possible alliances, campaign strategies, and the growing influence of opposition parties in the state.
Speaking shortly after he was declared winner, Nakudu reportedly thanked delegates, party officials, and supporters for the confidence reposed in him. He also called for unity within the party, urging members to put aside differences and work collectively toward securing victory in the governorship election.
He emphasized the need for inclusive governance, economic development, improved education, agricultural expansion, and youth empowerment, saying the state required visionary leadership capable of addressing emerging challenges and unlocking new opportunities for growth.
Political analysts believe the outcome of the primary election demonstrates the increasing internal organization of the ADC in Jigawa State, especially as the party seeks to strengthen its structures ahead of the 2027 polls.
The conduct of the exercise was also viewed by observers as a significant test of the party’s commitment to internal democracy. Despite intense competition between the two aspirants, party officials maintained that the process remained orderly and credible throughout the exercise.
Supporters of Bashir Adamu Jumbo also commended the peaceful nature of the election, although some called for greater political engagement and reconciliation efforts to ensure party unity moving forward.
The emergence of Nakudu as the ADC flag bearer now sets the stage for a new phase of political activities in Jigawa State as parties begin early preparations for the governorship race.
With campaigns expected to intensify in the coming months, attention will likely focus on how the ADC positions itself against other major political parties in the state and whether Nakudu can leverage his political experience and grassroots support to broaden the party’s appeal among voters.
For many residents and political stakeholders, the ADC primary has signaled the beginning of what could become one of the most closely watched political contests in Jigawa State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
