Abubakar Umar Gada, a former lawmaker and the Peoples Democratic Party senatorial candidate for Sokoto East, has expressed strong optimism that his party will recapture political leadership in Sokoto State during the 2027 general elections. This projection coincided with the defection of numerous members from the All Progressives Congress and the African Democratic Congress to the opposition party.
The new entrants were officially received into the PDP fold on Saturday during the commencement of Gada's senatorial campaign rally in Gwadabawa, where they pledged their dedication to ensuring the party emerges victorious at the polls.
While addressing his supporters at the gathering, Gada appealed to constituents across the senatorial zone to reinforce their loyalty to the PDP and actively mobilize support for all party flagbearers, reiterating his belief that the party is poised to restore its historical political dominance across the state.
Why does Gada believe Sokoto East remains a PDP stronghold?
Gada characterized Sokoto East as a traditional base for the PDP, arguing that previous electoral outcomes and historical data within the district establish a solid foundation for the party's impending political resurgence.
He explained that the ongoing campaign strategy is primarily aimed at reawakening the political consciousness of party faithful and reminding them of their inherent strength and capacity to secure victory.
"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 remarked.
Furthermore, the former senator highlighted his legislative track record from his previous tenure in the National Assembly as a significant asset for his current ambition, stating that his past achievements remain unmatched in the district.
"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 noted.
What solutions were proposed for security and poverty?
Turning his attention to the prevailing security crises and socioeconomic hardships affecting various communities within the district, Gada advocated for deliberate government interventions and increased federal focus on marginalized areas.
He emphasized that overcoming these developmental hurdles demands robust policy execution, careful allocation of public funds, and a sustained commitment to addressing the urgent needs of vulnerable populations.
The senatorial hopeful also encouraged electorate members to recognize the profound weight of their voting power, cautioning that decisions made at the ballot box carry long-term implications for generations to come.
Describing the ballot as a potent civic tool, he urged citizens to choose capable leaders who genuinely understand their struggles and possess the commitment to resolve them.
"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 stated.
Gada cautioned that poor electoral choices could compromise the future of the populace, advising voters to exercise their civic responsibilities prudently.
"If they mess it up, they are messing up their future. If they hold it dearly and use it for the purpose for which it is meant, they will elect credible leadership that is sensitive to people’s yearnings and aspirations and their predicaments," he added.
In his remarks, the PDP leader in Sokoto State and the party's National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, urged residents of Sokoto East to rally behind the party's candidates to facilitate their return to governance.
Bature praised Gada as a reliable and competent candidate, noting that his historical legislative representation was defined by the actualization of developmental promises.
He affirmed that the PDP remains fully resolved to capture the Sokoto State Government House and secure all three senatorial seats across the state, while encouraging party members to maintain solidarity and intensify grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2027 polls.