Tinubu Intimidating Opposition Ahead Of 2027 – Sule Lamido

Former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, has charged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with exploiting state institutions to undermine democracy.

Lamido made these statements during a discussion with journalists in Kano, where he was questioned about his political stance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He claimed that agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were being deployed to coerce opposition figures into compliance.

He stated: “As an example, take Okowa. He was PDP’s vice-presidential candidate. Suddenly, he’s facing charges of N1.3 trillion. Then he joins APC and just like that, no EFCC, no case. Everything is buried.”

Lamido argued this pattern substantiated Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s notorious remark: “Once you join APC, your sins are forgiven.”

Oshiomhole has refuted making this statement, accusing his political adversaries of exploiting it for their own advantage.

Lamido criticized Tinubu’s administration for employing divide-and-rule strategies. He cautioned that the manipulation of institutions and misuse of state authority are eroding Nigeria’s democratic foundations, leading to insecurity, mistrust, and national division.

“Today, Nigeria is not the country it was 25 years ago. There is no security, no stability, no trust. You can’t have a united country when its components are at odds with each other,” he said.

Regarding 2027 coalitions, Lamido noted that, unlike the organized alliance of 2014 that formed the All Progressives Congress (APC), current efforts were driven by individuals and lacked institutional unity.

“What we had in 2014 was a coalition of organs — CPC, ACN, ANPP, and PDP defectors. Today’s so-called coalition is a gathering of individuals, no institutional foundation, no clear parameters,” Lamido said.

He emphasized that any coalition aimed at defeating the ruling party must be grounded in strong principles — democracy, unity, stability, security, and prosperity, rather than ambition, revenge, or personal grudges.

Despite significant internal challenges within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Lamido reaffirmed his loyalty to the party.

“I remain in PDP. I was made, jailed, harassed, and nearly killed because of PDP. I will not renounce my history, my legacy, my heritage. But I will support any arrangement, within PDP or outside PDP, for a secure Nigeria in 2027,” he said.

Addressing accusations of anti-party activity, Lamido remarked, “If I am fighting for PDP to return to its ideals, how is that anti-party? I was called anti-party in 2023, but what of 2014 when PDP governors defected to form APC? Was that not a mega anti-party action?”

He decried the hypocrisy within PDP ranks, where sitting PDP governors and prominent stakeholders openly support President Tinubu without facing repercussions.

“There are governors and ministers claiming PDP but working for Tinubu. You’re calling me anti-party? Then I will do anti-party to build Nigeria not to destroy it,” he said.

Lamido insisted that the PDP must recommit to its founding values of transparency, fairness, and internal democracy to regain national significance.

“The party lacks the courage to do what is right. If the PDP does the right thing, it can come back stronger. But not with double-dealing leaders,” he said.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli