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Former Governor of Jigawa State and prominent member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Sule Lamido, has issued a warning regarding the ongoing attempts to weaken Nigeria’s leading opposition party, asserting that the dismantling of the PDP could lead to a collapse of democracy within the nation.
Lamido, who previously served as Minister of Foreign Affairs, forecasted that significant events may unfold within the next five months, emphasizing the troubling trend of individuals departing from the PDP.
After being elected as a National Delegate during the PDP Local Government Congress in Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State, Lamido expressed serious apprehension over what he termed a coordinated attack on opposition entities through the manipulation of governmental bodies such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, and security agencies.
He stated: “In their wisdom, my constituents chose me as a delegate, not for my personal gain, but because experience is crucial during such times.”
Nigeria’s democracy relies on a robust opposition. Destroying the PDP is not just an attack on a political party; it sets Nigeria on a trajectory toward self-destruction.”
Lamido accused President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of utilizing state apparatus to undermine opposition parties.
He warned that if this pattern remains unaddressed, it will not only harm the democratic framework but may ultimately backfire on those instigating it.
“If the APC, as a political entity, contends with the PDP, that’s typical; however, when the Federal Government, influenced by the APC, employs national institutions against the opposition, it poses a serious threat. It’s not merely APC members opposing us; it’s the government and the President himself.
“Leveraging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other bodies to intimidate and diminish opposition parties leads to self-destruction. Those who are joining the APC out of fear will eventually come to regret it.”
He pointed out that Tinubu believes that by weakening the PDP, he is securing his political future. However, he emphasized that what the President fails to recognize is that this action undermines Nigeria as a whole.
Lamido asserted that democracy is founded on liberty, freedom, and a credible opposition. “If you eradicate the opposition, you jeopardize the nation,” he proclaimed.
He also mentioned that the fear of retaliation by organizations like the EFCC is pushing numerous political figures into what he described as a “suicidal alliance” with the ruling party, predicting that eventual disillusionment will lead many back to the PDP.
He called on all discontented politicians to return to the PDP, characterizing it as Nigeria’s most organized and people-focused political platform.
