KEY POINTS
- Former immigration boss Muhammed Babandede has joined the APC and declared his bid for the Jigawa North East Senate seat in 2027.
- He ruled out running for governor, citing confidence in Governor Umar Namadi’s leadership.
- Babandede promises a policy-focused legislative agenda centred on institutional development, education, and coordinated governance.
Former Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammed Babandede, has officially registered with the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Hadejia Local Government Area of Jigawa State, confirming his entry into partisan politics.
Shortly after completing his registration, Babandede declared his intention to contest the Jigawa North East senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.
Babandede dismissed earlier speculation linking him to a future governorship bid, explaining that supporters had encouraged him to run in 2023. However, he said he was satisfied with the leadership of Governor Umar Namadi and would not challenge for the state’s top office in 2027.
He added that he had long supported the APC, noting his role in campaigning for both Namadi and President Bola Tinubu during the last elections.
Senate Ambition and Legislative Vision
Babandede said his senatorial ambition was driven by appeals from constituents in the district. He pledged to focus on legislative responsibilities such as lawmaking and protecting citizens’ rights rather than distributing consumables as constituency projects.
According to him, his approach will prioritise institution-building, education, and collaboration among federal, state, and legislative arms to prevent duplication of projects. He also revealed plans to conduct a needs assessment across the district to guide targeted development.
Born in 1963, Babandede served 36 years in the immigration service and is widely credited with modernising operations during his tenure.
Appointed Comptroller-General in 2016 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, he led reforms such as paperless administration, passport digitisation, decentralised passport issuance, and the Visa-on-Arrival policy aimed at improving Nigeria’s business climate.
