Alhaji Sule Lamido, the former Governor of Jigawa State and a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has issued a warning regarding the current attempts to undermine Nigeria’s primary opposition party. He stated that the dismantling of the PDP could lead to a collapse of democracy within the nation. Lamido, who previously served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, foresees significant developments in the next five months, emphasizing that the exodus of members from the PDP is a troubling sign for Nigeria.
After being elected as a National Delegate during the PDP Local Government Congress in Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State, Lamido voiced serious concerns about what he termed a systematic attack on opposition forces, facilitated by the manipulation of state institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, and security agencies. He remarked, ‘My constituents elected me as a delegate not out of necessity, but because experience is crucial at this juncture.’
He further asserted that Nigeria’s democracy relies on a robust opposition, warning that dismantling the PDP equates to paving the way for national self-destruction. Lamido accused President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of utilizing state instruments to undermine opposition parties. He cautioned that if this trend persists, it will not only harm the democratic framework but also ultimately engulf those responsible for it. ‘While it is normal for the APC to oppose the PDP as a political entity, it becomes perilous when the Federal Government, under APC’s influence, employs national institutions against the opposition. This is not merely a conflict between APC members and us; it involves the government and the President himself. The use of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other agencies to intimidate and weaken opposition parties is tantamount to self-destruction. Those who join the APC out of fear will come to regret their decision.’
He observed that Tinubu is under the impression that by undermining the PDP, he is safeguarding his political future. However, he emphasized that the President fails to recognize that this approach ultimately undermines Nigeria as a whole. Lamido articulated that democracy relies on liberty, freedom, and a credible opposition, asserting, ‘If you eliminate the opposition, you jeopardize the nation.’ He also pointed out that the fear of persecution from agencies such as the EFCC is compelling numerous political figures to enter what he termed a ‘suicidal alliance’ with the
ruling party, forecasting that disillusionment will eventually lead many back to the PDP. He called upon all discontented politicians to rejoin the PDP, characterizing it as Nigeria’s most organized and people-centric political platform.
