Former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido rejects Nasir El-Rufai’s invitation to join the SDP, questioning his political loyalty and previous affiliations. Lamido affirms that the PDP is his true home and cautions against opposition politics fueled by personal grievances. His remarks highlight the significant divisions looming ahead of the 2027 elections.
Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has strongly criticized Nasir El-Rufai over his call for opposition politicians to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Lamido dismissed the idea, insisting that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite its challenges, remains his political home.
El-Rufai, who recently left the All Progressives Congress (APC) for SDP, had urged prominent opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi to abandon their parties and rally under SDP. He argued that PDP and the Labour Party (LP) are no longer viable opposition platforms.
Reacting in an interview with BBC Hausa, Lamido ridiculed El-Rufai’s invitation, questioning his loyalty and political ideology. “How does he expect us to leave PDP, the same party that shaped his career?” Lamido asked. He recalled how El-Rufai once dismissed political elders in Nigeria but now seeks alliances to strengthen his new party.
Lamido also accused El-Rufai of shifting allegiances for personal gain. He pointed out that if he had any intention of leaving PDP, he would have done so in 2014, when APC was formed. “What has changed? Why are they abandoning APC now?” he questioned.
He further cautioned against allowing personal grievances to dictate political decisions, urging opposition figures to prioritize national interest over political vendettas. “If the goal is to unseat Tinubu, it should be about the country’s well-being, not personal revenge,” he said.
Lamido’s remarks add to the growing debate on Nigeria’s political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections. His criticism underscores the deep divisions within the opposition, as political heavyweights strategize their next moves.
