Former Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, is taking his decades of experience at the centre of Nigeria’s security establishment into the political arena, declaring that he wants to use the Senate to push stronger security measures and deliver what he described as “quality representation” to Jigawa South-West.
Abba made the declaration when he visited the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hameem Nuhu Muhammad Sanusi, to formally announce his intention to contest the Jigawa South-West Senatorial District seat on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
The former police chief’s bid comes at a time when insecurity remains one of the most pressing issues confronting Nigerians, potentially giving his campaign a central message: taking security experience from the police command structure into the legislative chamber.
Abba said his ambition was not about simply occupying a Senate seat but about adding value to the legislative process and ensuring that his constituents receive effective representation.
“My purpose of coming out is to give qualitative representation,” he said.
Explaining what he meant by quality representation, Abba said it was about improving on what already exists rather than dismissing the efforts of previous representatives.
“Any time you talk about quality, it means you are adding value to what is there. So that’s exactly what I want to go there and do,” he said.
The former IGP said his educational background and experience in public service had given him the capacity to contribute meaningfully to national legislation.
He promised to focus on legislation that would have direct impact on citizens and improve the welfare of his constituents.
“In addition to that, I have nothing other than going there to improve on the legislative outcomes for the citizens in the National Assembly,” Abba said.
He added, “Anything that my people deserve as their representative, I will ensure that it does not escape them. That’s why I want to be there.”
Receiving Abba at the palace, the Emir of Dutse commended the former police chief for his distinguished service to Nigeria and described him as a worthy son of the Dutse Emirate.
But beyond the royal endorsement, the monarch placed a major responsibility before the former IGP: using his experience to help Nigeria confront its security crisis.
The Emir urged Abba to deploy his knowledge of policing and national security to support legislation and policies capable of tackling the country’s security challenges if elected.
The intervention gives security a potentially defining place in Abba’s senatorial campaign, particularly given his experience at the highest level of the Nigeria Police Force.
The former IGP would be seeking to translate experience acquired in policing and national security into legislative influence, oversight and policy-making.
The monarch also issued a broader warning to politicians as the country moves towards another election cycle, urging them to reject bitterness, acrimony and personal attacks.
He called for peaceful campaigns and mutual respect before, during and after elections, stressing that political contests should not be allowed to destroy relationships or undermine the peace of communities.
The Emir reminded politicians that political power was ultimately in God’s hands, saying God gives power to whoever He chooses and at the time He desires.
His message was particularly significant as political actors across the country begin positioning themselves for the next electoral battle.
‘I came to inform the Emir, not campaign’
Abba said his visit was deliberately made ahead of the campaign period because he wanted to personally inform the monarch of his ambition rather than allow him to hear about it from outsiders.
“I came to the palace of the Emir of Dutse today to reintroduce myself and further highlight to the Emir the reasons why I have the ambition to become a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
The former police chief stressed that traditional rulers should remain neutral because they are fathers to all contestants.
“Even during campaign periods, you can’t come to the palace to campaign because they are our fathers, and fathers should be for all their children. So, he is for all contestants,” Abba said.
He said the purpose of the visit was therefore to show respect to the traditional institution and formally notify the Emir that his “son” was entering the political contest.
Asked about his readiness for the campaign, Abba cautioned journalists to consult the official electoral timetable rather than rely on an incorrect date.
But on whether he was prepared for the political battle, the former IGP was unequivocal.
“Let it begin tomorrow, I’m ready. I’m good,” he said.
That confidence sets the stage for what could be an intriguing contest in Jigawa South-West, as Abba seeks to transform a career spent dealing with security, law enforcement and public administration into a legislative mandate.
His pitch is built around experience, security and representation.
And his promise to voters is straightforward: if elected, he will not merely occupy a Senate seat; he will use it to push legislation, tackle security concerns and ensure that, in his words, nothing his constituents deserve “escapes them.
