The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has handed Mustapha Sule Lamido a major political boost ahead of the 2027 general election after clearing him to contest the party’s governorship primary in Jigawa State.

Lamido, who flew the PDP flag in the 2023 governorship election, was successfully screened by the party’s screening committee at the PDP national headquarters, Legacy House Annex, Abuja, on Thursday.

His clearance effectively places him on course to emerge as the PDP’s standard bearer for the 2027 governorship election, as he was the only aspirant screened for the ticket ahead of the party’s primary scheduled for May 21.

The development sets the stage for what is expected to be a fierce political showdown between Lamido and the incumbent governor, Umar Namadi of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking shortly after the screening exercise, Lamido said his ambition was driven by a determination to reposition Jigawa State and deliver purposeful leadership capable of addressing the needs and aspirations of the people.

He said the time had come for a new generation of leaders to redefine Nigeria’s political culture through competence, vision, and genuine commitment to public service.

Lamido also took a swipe at the growing trend of defections across political parties, describing it as a reflection of weak ideological conviction among many politicians.

According to him, politics should be built on principles and service rather than personal interests and political convenience.

He maintained that the PDP remains the most credible opposition platform capable of providing alternatives to the ruling party and restoring confidence among Nigerians struggling with economic hardship and governance challenges.

The former governorship candidate expressed confidence in the PDP’s chances in the 2027 election, noting that the party secured more than 400,000 votes in the last governorship poll despite the odds.

He said the growing dissatisfaction among citizens and renewed commitment within the PDP would position the party for stronger performance in the next election cycle.

Political observers in Jigawa say Lamido’s early clearance signals the PDP’s determination to begin mobilising ahead of what could become one of the state’s most closely watched governorship contests in recent years.