Former Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has warned against any attempt to manipulate the 2027 senatorial election.

Abba said his long experience in policing and election security has given him a clear understanding of how electoral manipulation is carried out.

Abba spoke on Wednesday as he formally commenced his campaign for the Jigawa South-West Senatorial District seat.

The former police chief, who recently moved from the All Progressives Congress to the Peoples Democratic Party, said his campaign would be peaceful and guided by the law.

“I assure you we are going to see one of the most peaceful conduct of campaigns. We are going to do it according to the law, we are going to be fair, and we are going to be respectful,” he said.

But Abba warned against any attempt to interfere with the election or manipulate his results.

“If it is because you think you know people at the top, the top is not a no-go area for me. It’s not a no-go area for me,” he said.

“If it is those tactics that are being used to manipulate results, don’t dare do it on me because I know how it’s done, I know how it’s investigated and I know how culprits are prosecuted.”

Abba also cited his role in the security planning for the 2015 general elections as part of his experience in election management.

“I know about elections in and out. Don’t you dare touch my results. You will have cause to regret,” he warned.

The former IGP also cautioned political thugs to stay away from his campaign, saying anyone who attempts to use violence would face the law.

“We are not going to use thugs. If you are using thugs, tell them to distance themselves from me,” he said.

Abba said his campaign would focus on what he described as qualitative representation, with priority given to security, education, healthcare, agriculture and youth employment.

He said his experience as a police officer would be useful in tackling insecurity across the country.

“Security is very important. Whatever we do, we must improve the security situation, not only in my constituency,” he said.

Abba also promised to support farmers with access to fertiliser, chemicals, tractors and other inputs needed to increase production.

He said education and healthcare would also receive attention if he wins the election.

The former police chief said his academic background in history and law would further prepare him for legislative duties.

“I assure the voters that you will not regret having a representative whose intention is none other than to provide qualitative representation,” he said.

On corruption, Abba described it as a major national problem and backed the use of special courts with accelerated hearings to deal with corruption cases.

“Corruption is a problem in the country. There is no doubt about it,” he said.

“I agree with you, absolutely. Accelerated hearing will help in fighting corruption.”

Abba said his political ambition was guided by his religious upbringing and his belief in the fear of God.

“In all I do, or I have done, and I will do, my guiding principle is the fear of God,” he said.

He urged voters to support his ambition, promising to protect their interests and improve their living conditions.

“My vision and my mission is related to qualitative representation — representation that will improve the living standard of the people in my constituency,” Abba said.