Former Jigawa State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has cautioned that efforts to dismantle the PDP could trigger a collapse of democracy in Nigeria.
Speaking after his election as a National Delegate during the PDP Local Government Congress in Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State, Lamido expressed deep concern over the rising number of defections from the party, warning that the trend poses a grave threat to the country’s democratic stability.
“In their wisdom, my people elected me as a delegate, not because I needed it, but because experience is needed at a time like this,” he said. “Nigeria’s democracy thrives on a vibrant opposition. If you destroy the PDP, you are not just destroying a party; you are setting Nigeria on a path to self-destruction.”
Lamido accused President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of weaponizing national institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, and security agencies to weaken the opposition.
“If APC, as a political party, fights the PDP, that’s normal. But when the Federal Government under APC control uses national institutions against the opposition, that’s dangerous,” Lamido warned. “It’s not just APC members fighting us; it’s the government and the President himself.”
He further alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other agencies are being used to intimidate opposition figures, forcing many into what he called a “suicidal alliance” with the APC. According to him, those joining the ruling party out of fear will eventually regret their decision.
Lamido also predicted that within the next five months, significant political shifts could occur, fueled by disillusionment among political figures currently seeking refuge within the APC.
He emphasized that weakening the PDP ultimately weakens Nigeria itself, stating, “Democracy is built on liberty, freedom, and credible opposition. If you destroy the opposition, you destroy the nation.”
Lamido called on aggrieved politicians to return to the PDP, describing it as Nigeria’s most organised and people-driven political platform, and urged political leaders to prioritize the nation’s democratic future over personal ambition.
