Jigawa State’s former Governor Sule Lamido has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of weaponising state institutions to stifle democracy.
Lamido bared his mind at an interactive session with journalists in Kano where he was questioned about his political position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He alleged that institutions like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were being used to intimidate opposition figures into submission.
He said: “As an example, take Okowa. He was PDP’s vice-presidential candidate. Suddenly, he’s facing charges of N1.3 trillion. Then he joins APC and just like that, no EFCC, no case. Everything is buried.”
Lamido said this occurrence had validated Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s infamous comment: “Once you join APC, your sins are forgiven.”
He accused Tinubu’s administration of using divide-and-rule tactics. He warned that the manipulation of institutions and abuse of state power are corroding Nigeria’s democratic foundations, causing insecurity, distrust, and national disunity.
“Today, Nigeria is not the country it was 25 years ago. There is no security, no stability, no trust. You can’t have a united country when its components are at odds with each other,” he said.
On 2027 coalitions, Lamido said, unlike the structured alliance of 2014 that birthed the All Progressives Congress (APC), today’s efforts were individually driven and lacked institutional cohesion.
“What we had in 2014 was a coalition of organs — CPC, ACN, ANPP, and PDP defectors. Today’s so-called coalition is a gathering of individuals, no institutional foundation, no clear parameters,” Lamido said.
He maintained that any coalition aimed at unseating the ruling party must be built on solid ideals — democracy, unity, stability, security, and prosperity and not ambition, revenge, or vendettas.
Despite deep internal challenges within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Lamido reaffirmed his commitment to the party.
“I remain in PDP. I was made, jailed, harassed, and nearly killed because of PDP. I will not renounce my history, my legacy, my heritage. But I will support any arrangement, within PDP or outside PDP, for a secure Nigeria in 2027,” he said.
On accusations of anti-party activity, Lamido was said, “If I am fighting for PDP to return to its ideals, how is that anti-party? I was called anti-party in 2023, but what of 2014 when PDP governors defected to form APC? Was that not a mega anti-party action?”
He lamented the hypocrisy within PDP ranks, where sitting PDP governors and prominent stakeholders are openly supporting President Tinubu without consequence.
“There are governors and ministers claiming PDP but working for Tinubu. You’re calling me anti-party? Then I will do anti-party to build Nigeria not to destroy it,” he said.
Lamido insisted the PDP must return to its founding principles, which are: transparency, fairness, and internal democracy to reclaim national relevance.
“The party lacks the courage to do what is right. If the PDP does the right thing, it can come back stronger. But not with double-dealing leaders,” he said.
