In a move aimed at strengthening its ticket ahead of the 2027 governorship election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jigawa State has named former Head of Service, Muhammad Inuwa Tahir, as the running mate to its governorship candidate, Mustapha Sule Lamido.

The announcement followed weeks of consultations involving party leaders, grassroots supporters, traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society groups across the state.

State PDP Chairman, Babandi Ibrahim, said the party settled for Tahir because of his extensive experience in public administration and his reputation for integrity, competence and professionalism in service.

According to him, the choice reflects the party’s commitment to presenting a ticket that combines political leadership with administrative expertise.

Tahir, a native of Hadejia Local Government Area, rose through the ranks of the Jigawa State civil service and held several strategic positions during his career.

He was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health under the administration of former Governor Sule Lamido before moving to the Office of the Head of Service as Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services.

In October 2015, he was elevated to the position of Head of Service, where he oversaw the state bureaucracy until his retirement in 2018.

Beyond the civil service, Tahir has remained active in public affairs. He is a Member of the National Institute (mni), having attended the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos.
Following his retirement, he chaired the Governing Board of the Jigawa State Manpower Development Institute and also served on the Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree.

Party insiders say Tahir’s selection is expected to strengthen the PDP’s appeal among civil servants, professionals and technocrats as the opposition party intensifies preparations for the 2027 governorship contest.

The development comes barely a month after Mustapha Sule Lamido, son of former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, emerged as the PDP’s consensus governorship candidate, setting the stage for what is expected to be a fiercely contested race for the state’s top seat.