Former Governor of Jigawa State and prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Sule Lamido, has strongly refuted reports suggesting he is considering defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the opposition party as a “smaller skin” that does not align with his political pedigree.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday in Kano, Lamido reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP, despite acknowledging the party’s internal challenges. He emphasized his readiness to support any political coalition, whether within or outside the PDP, as long as it aligns with efforts to rescue and stabilize Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“I believe in Nigeria. So, any arrangement—be it within or outside the Peoples Democratic Party—that will secure and save Nigeria, I am ready to work with it in 2027,” Lamido declared.
He firmly denied ongoing speculations linking him to the ADC, stating unequivocally that his political heritage is inseparable from the PDP. “I’m still in the PDP, even though it has problems. But I cannot renounce my history. I can’t simply walk out of my skin and be conferred with a smaller skin called ADC. I cannot,” Lamido asserted.
Reflecting on his political career, Lamido highlighted how the PDP shaped his journey—entrusting him with key leadership roles, including serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs and later as governor. “So, I cannot simply renounce my history, my legacy, and my heritage and say, ‘Today I got something new, I am out of PDP.’ I will not do that,” he stated.
Commenting on the national debate over the creation of additional states, Lamido cautioned that such efforts may distract from more urgent issues confronting the country.
“Will the creation of new states solve our problems—insecurity, poverty, hunger, and the widening divide between North and South? There are more pressing national concerns than redrawing state boundaries,” he said.
Lamido also responded to recent political moves by his fellow northerner, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, who visited President Bola Tinubu. According to Lamido, Kwankwaso was within his constitutional rights to engage in such dialogue, describing the visit as part of a healthy democratic process.
His remarks come amid increasing political realignments and speculation as Nigeria gradually gears up for the 2027 general elections.
