Former Jigawa State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has rejected former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai’s invitation for opposition politicians to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
El-Rufai, who recently announced his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the SDP, had called on key opposition figures—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola—to follow his lead.
In an interview with the BBC, Lamido dismissed the invitation, questioning El-Rufai’s political ideology and commitment to national development.
“Honestly, without disrespect, how does he expect us in PDP to follow him to another party? The PDP is the party that made him who he is,” Lamido stated.
Comparing El-Rufai’s position to family lineage, he added, “How can a grandson claim that his grandfather knows nothing?”
Lamido recalled that El-Rufai once dismissed the influence of political elders, claiming he and his allies were the real power brokers when he was governor.
“But now, he says he advised Buhari on his next steps. If he truly believes Buhari’s instructions are irrelevant, why did he seek his approval before leaving APC?” he remarked.
Lamido reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, dismissing claims that the party was finished.
“No matter the challenges within PDP, this is the party that shaped Nigerian democracy.
If El-Rufai was ever a minister, it was under PDP. Everything he has today, PDP made it possible,” he asserted.
He also criticized the political instability of defectors, stating, “They left PDP in anger, claiming it had failed. Now APC has failed them, so what next?”
On the broader political landscape, Lamido cautioned against making leadership decisions based on emotions.
“Leadership is not driven by anger, frustration, or personal ambition.
It requires patience, foresight, and a commitment to national peace and development,” he said.
Addressing calls to remove President Bola Tinubu, he warned against opposition driven by personal grievances.
“If the goal is to remove Tinubu, it should not be out of anger. You don’t fight a leader simply because he upset you or for revenge. Governance should be about national interest, not personal emotions,” he declared.
Lamido urged Nigerian politicians to focus on the country’s progress rather than personal disputes.
“Nigeria’s image in the world is at stake. Our governance must respect human rights and ensure peace. What we need is reform, not emotional reactions,” he concluded.
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