The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially presented its flag to Auwal Isah Manzo as the party’s candidate for the Babura/Garki Federal Constituency by-election scheduled for Saturday, declaring that the poll will mark the beginning of the end of the All Progressives Congress (APC) dominance in the area.
The event, attended by party faithful and leaders, took place as part of preparations for the February 16 by-election, one of 16 National Assembly and State House of Assembly seats across 12 states to be filled following the deaths or resignations of their incumbents. The Babura/Garki seat became vacant after the death of its former member, Isa Dogonyaro, in May last year.
Speaking at the rally, Jigawa PDP Chairman Ibrahim Babandi and the party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Mustapha Sule Lamido, told supporters in Auyo that the hardship facing Nigerians had worsened under APC’s 10-year rule. They urged voters to “start changing things from this election by voting out the APC” and assured them that PDP would restore responsive leadership focused on education, infrastructure, and opportunities.
According to Babandi: “We told our people in Auyo that the hardship in this country is too much and the ruling APC has been in power for 10 years without solving the people’s problems. We urged them to start changing things from this election by voting out the APC. We believe the people are ready, and by Saturday, Insha’Allah, we will see that change.
“We are confident because the turnout at our rallies has been impressive. In places like Babura, the number of people who came out to welcome us was huge. Many of them volunteered to come on their own, without being given any money for transport.”
Lamido praised the huge turnouts at campaign stops, noting that many supporters travelled from their villages, some in the rain and through muddy roads, without inducement — a sign of deep grassroots commitment.
“This level of sacrifice shows they are ready for change. By the grace of God, Saturday will be the determining factor,” Lamido said. “We thank all our supporters and assure them that PDP will continue to work for their progress and the growth of our nation.
“These people want leaders who will look into their problems, just like the PDP has done before — leaders who will focus on better education, infrastructure, and opportunities. We are determined to give them that leadership again.
“Saturday will be the determining factor. By the grace of God, we are going to win the federal constituency seat and signal the end of APC’s dominance in this area.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who came out to support us despite the weather. This spirit of voluntary participation is what will transform into votes on election day. We thank all our supporters and assure them that PDP will continue to work for their progress and the growth of our nation.”
Before receiving the party’s flag, Auwal Isah Manzo was screened by a five-man committee from PDP headquarters in Abuja, chaired by Sagiru Kabiru.
The process, which included verification of membership status, academic qualifications, and other credentials, was described by Manzo as “thorough, smooth, and peaceful.”
“I am confident to fly the party’s flag and bring victory to PDP,” he said.
The February 16 by-election will involve two senatorial districts, five House of Representatives seats, and nine state constituency seats nationwide.
