Sule Lamido Vows to Work Toward Securing Nigeria in 2027, Rules Out Defection from PDP
Former Jigawa Governor Open to Political Alliances Against Tinubu
Former Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister and Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has declared his willingness to collaborate across party lines to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart made this revelation during an interview with journalists in Kano.
“I am willing to work for any arrangement within the PDP or outside the PDP for a secure Nigeria in 2027,” Lamido stated emphatically, signaling potential political realignments ahead of the next presidential race.
PDP Loyalty Remains Unshaken
Despite his openness to cross-party collaborations, the veteran politician firmly dismissed rumors of defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Lamido emphasized his deep-rooted connection to the PDP, comparing leaving the party to abandoning his own identity.
“I am PDP, I remain in PDP. Even though PDP has got some problems, I am in PDP because I can’t simply walk out of my skin and crawl in flesh and blood and be conferred with a smaller skin called ADC. I cannot,” he declared with conviction.
A History of Sacrifice and Service
Lamido recounted his turbulent journey with the opposition party, highlighting both the personal costs and rewards of his political allegiance:
“I got a history with the PDP. I was detained, I was harassed or blackmailed. My office was burnt, my house was about to be burnt and my family were humiliated and maligned because of PDP.”
The former governor also acknowledged the party’s role in his political ascendancy: “The PDP also honoured me and made me a Minister and also a Governor. Therefore, I cannot simply renounce my history, my legacy and my heritage.”
State Creation Debate: Lamido Calls for Priority Realignment
Addressing ongoing agitation for new states in Nigeria, Lamido described the demands as legitimate but cautioned against misplaced priorities. He identified pressing national issues that require immediate attention:
- Widespread insecurity
- Deepening poverty crisis
- Acute hunger nationwide
- Growing North-South divisions
“These challenges are more pressing and demanding than states creation,” Lamido asserted, while maintaining he wouldn’t oppose state creation if it genuinely addressed these fundamental problems.
Political Implications Ahead of 2027
Lamido’s statements carry significant weight in Nigerian political circles as:
- It signals potential opposition coalition building against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)
- It reinforces PDP’s position as the main opposition platform despite internal challenges
- It highlights growing concerns about national unity and security that may dominate the next election cycle
Political analysts suggest Lamido’s remarks may inspire similar declarations from other opposition figures as the 2027 elections draw nearer.
For more details on this developing story, read the original report.