Former Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Sule Lamido has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democracy by manipulating federal agencies against opposition parties could spell disaster for his administration.
Addressing newsmen in Birninkudu after emerging as a national delegate for the upcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congress, Lamido criticized Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly turning national institutions into instruments of political oppression as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.
“The mass defection from the PDP is alarming and signals danger for the country’s stability,” Lamido said.
“By weaponizing agencies like INEC, the Police, DSS, and EFCC against political rivals, Tinubu risks not only weakening the opposition but bringing down his own government.”
The ex-governor argued that no democracy can thrive without opposition, warning that crushing dissent would ultimately destabilize Nigeria’s political system.
“Freedom, liberty, and opposition are the pillars upon which democracy stands,” he stated.
“President Tinubu believes silencing the PDP strengthens his position, but in truth, it endangers the nation and his own leadership. Destroying the PDP is akin to destroying Nigeria itself.”
Despite recent setbacks faced by the PDP, Lamido expressed confidence that those who defected would realize their mistake and return in a few months.
“By the end of this year, you’ll see many of them come back,” he predicted. “Tinubu’s current strategy is political self-sabotage. Those joining forces with him are only hastening their own political downfall.”
Lamido also condemned what he called an orchestrated attack on the PDP, stressing that the government’s involvement crossed the line from legitimate political contests to state-sponsored suppression.
“It’s one thing for parties to compete, but when the federal government itself launches an offensive against a political party, it becomes a grave threat to democracy,” he warned.
He further criticized Tinubu for allegedly using anti-graft agencies like the EFCC to intimidate opponents, questioning the credibility of such tactics given Tinubu’s own controversial past.
“Why fear the EFCC?” Lamido queried. “Tinubu himself faced EFCC investigations during Nuhu Ribadu’s leadership. His history undermines any moral authority he claims today.”
Explaining his decision to contest for a delegate position, Lamido said recent amendments to the PDP constitution made it necessary, as automatic delegate rights for former governors and Board of Trustees members had been revoked, significantly shrinking the number of eligible delegates.
“The people in my local government asked me to run so I could help guide them through this critical period,” he explained.
Lamido’s remarks come amid heightened political manoeuvring as Nigeria’s major parties gear up for the 2027 elections.