HADEJIA, JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA – Former Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Comptroller-General Muhammed Babandede has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging his support for Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Babandede completed his registration at Hadejia Local Government Area of Jigawa State and announced his intention to contest the Jigawa North-East Senatorial seat under the APC platform.
Addressing journalists in his hometown, he recalled that he had previously been encouraged by supporters to run for the governorship in 2023 but chose not to pursue it. Praising Governor Namadi’s tenure, Babandede said, “With his performance, he has the mandate for an additional four years should he decide to run. I will not be seeking the governorship in 2027.”
He described his registration with the APC as largely formal, noting his long-standing affiliation with the party and his active campaign work for both Tinubu and Namadi during the 2023 elections.
Babandede explained that his decision to pursue a Senate seat came after repeated appeals from stakeholders across Jigawa North-East. He committed to prioritizing legislative responsibilities, protecting constituents’ rights, and enhancing collaboration between the National Assembly, the Jigawa State government, and the federal government to prevent duplication of projects.
He added that, unlike traditional approaches of distributing consumable items as constituency projects, he would focus on institution-building and improving education to promote sustainable development. A comprehensive needs assessment of the district has already been conducted to guide future initiatives.
Babandede was appointed Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service on 15 May 2016 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. He had previously served as Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Operations and Passports and retired in 2021 after 36 years of service.