Sule Lamido, former Governor of Jigawa State and a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has accused President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of eroding Nigeria’s democratic values and deepening national divisions for political advantage.
In a press briefing held Wednesday in Kano, Lamido expressed concern over what he described as the administration’s growing tendency to weaponize state institutions to intimidate, harass, and suppress political opponents.
“The Presidency, the Federal Government, and the APC are using the instruments of state to crush opposition, promote blackmail, and reward those who yield to their pressure,” Lamido stated.
Citing specific examples, the former Foreign Affairs Minister pointed to the recent corruption allegations involving former Delta State Governor and PDP vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Ifeanyi Okowa. Lamido claimed that Okowa’s case with the EFCC was conveniently dropped after his alleged defection to the APC.
“Once he found his way into the APC, the N1.3 trillion fraud allegations against him simply vanished. This proves Adams Oshiomhole’s infamous statement true; that no matter your crime, once you join the APC, you’ll be forgiven,” Lamido said.
He also condemned the treatment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was reportedly blocked by police from entering the National Assembly, despite a court ruling in her favor.
Lamido argued that such disregard for democratic principles is directly linked to the country’s current climate of insecurity, instability, disunity, and public mistrust.
“Democracy is being dismantled before our eyes. That’s why we’re witnessing a breakdown in security, rising instability, and a collapse in national unity,” he emphasized.
According to Lamido, Nigeria cannot thrive if its constituent parts remain divided and distrustful of one another.
“A nation cannot move forward unless its components are united. Unfortunately, Tinubu’s administration has deepened regional divides between North-Central and the Northwest, the Southeast and South-South; all in pursuit of political control,” he alleged.
Lamido urged Nigerians to reject what he described as a creeping autocracy under President Tinubu, warning against allowing one individual to turn the country into a personal empire.
“It’s not about me; it’s about you, the people. It’s your responsibility to say ‘No.’ Say no to Pharaoh, say no to being turned into political pawns,” he declared.
When asked about emerging political coalitions ahead of the 2027 elections, Lamido was cautious. He said he has chosen not to align with any of the current political coalitions because they lack structure and vision.
“These coalitions are made up of individuals, not parties or institutions. We need to be united by a shared commitment to democracy, national unity, stability, security, and prosperity not ambition or vengeance,” Lamido explained.
The elder statesman reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP, despite acknowledging the party’s internal challenges.
“I am PDP and will remain PDP. No matter the problems, I won’t discard my identity just to wear another party’s label,” he asserted.
On the growing calls for state creation, Lamido acknowledged the legitimacy of such demands but questioned their relevance amid Nigeria’s pressing crises.
“Would new states solve our problems? Our leaders should focus on existential threats; hunger, insecurity, poverty, and national disunity instead of pursuing state creation that may not address these fundamental issues,” he said.
Lamido’s remarks add to the rising criticism of the Tinubu-led administration, which has faced backlash over economic hardship, insecurity, and alleged political intolerance.
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