The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jigawa State has selected former Head of Service Muhammad Inuwa Tahir as the running mate to its governorship candidate, Mustapha Sule Lamido, for the 2027 election. The decision, announced on Wednesday, aims to strengthen the party's ticket ahead of the polls.
Consultations and Selection
The choice 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 stated that the party settled on Tahir due to his extensive experience in public administration and his reputation for integrity, competence, and professionalism.
Experience and Background
Tahir, a native of Hadejia Local Government Area, rose through the ranks of the Jigawa State civil service. He served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health under former Governor Sule Lamido before moving to the Office of the Head of Service as Permanent Secretary for Administration and General Services. In October 2015, he became Head of Service, overseeing the state bureaucracy until his retirement in 2018.
He is a Member of the National Institute (mni), having attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos. Post-retirement, he chaired the Governing Board of the Jigawa State Manpower Development Institute and served on the Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree.
Political Implications
Party insiders believe Tahir's selection will boost the PDP's appeal among civil servants, professionals, and technocrats as the opposition party intensifies preparations for the 2027 governorship race. The announcement comes a month after Mustapha Sule Lamido, son of former Governor Sule Lamido, emerged as the PDP's consensus candidate, setting the stage for a competitive election.
