Gada launches Sokoto East Senate campaign, receives defectors

By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto SOKOTO — Former Senator Abubakar Umar Gada has declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ready to reclaim political power in Sokoto State in 2027, following the defection of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the party. Gada made the declaration on Saturday in Gwadabawa during the flag-off of his campaign for the Sokoto East Senatorial District seat, where he received the defectors and urged party supporters to mobilise ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former senator expressed confidence in the PDP’s prospects, describing Sokoto East as a traditional stronghold of the party despite its recent electoral setbacks. According to him, the PDP’s past electoral performance in the district provided a foundation for its anticipated comeback, adding that the party’s immediate task was to restore the confidence and determination of its supporters.

“ SOKOTO East is traditionally a PDP zone. Past performance data and records have shown that. So, it is just to awaken them and bring back their self-consciousness, determination and readiness to take over,” Gada said. He maintained that his previous tenure in the Senate had equipped him with the experience and legislative accomplishments required to represent the district effectively.

Gada said his record in the National Assembly distinguished him from other contenders seeking the seat. “I do not want to sound immodest, but I am always proud of my performance the last time I was in the Senate. People have recently made efforts, and I think they have done a lot, but compared to what we achieved at the time, it was absolutely incredible,” he said.

Addressing the security and poverty challenges confronting communities in Sokoto East, Gada called for deliberate government intervention, strategic deployment of resources and increased federal attention to areas facing urgent developmental needs. He said the electorate deserved leadership capable of responding to insecurity, economic hardship and inadequate development, stressing that sustained government commitment was necessary to improve the living conditions of vulnerable communities.

The PDP candidate also urged voters to defend their electoral rights and remain vigilant during the 2027 general elections, describing the ballot as a powerful instrument for determining their political future. “They are the power. Their votes are their guns and arsenals. Their voice is their weapon of battle. They should respect and understand that this is their God-given right,” he said.

He warned that the consequences of electing unsuitable leaders could extend beyond the immediate electoral cycle, urging residents to make informed decisions based on their long-term interests and the future of their communities. Also speaking at the campaign flag-off, the PDP leader in Sokoto State and National Organising Secretary of the party, Umar Bature, described Gada as a credible candidate, citing his previous legislative tenure as evidence of his capacity to deliver on electoral promises.

Bature expressed confidence in the party’s electoral prospects, declaring that the PDP was determined to reclaim the Sokoto State Government House and win the three senatorial districts in the 2027 elections. The campaign flag-off and reception of defectors from the APC and ADC come as political parties begin preparations for the 2027 general elections in Sokoto State.