Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has emphasized that despite his longstanding personal relationship with President Bola Tinubu, he remains firmly committed to the opposition and will not support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Lamido, a senior figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), clarified that political opposition should not be mistaken for personal animosity. He stated that every Nigerian has the right to seek the presidency and that speaking truth to power is essential in a healthy democracy.
“There’s nothing wrong with telling any leader the truth, including the President. Political differences shouldn’t affect personal relationships,” Lamido said.
His comments follow public speculation sparked by a recent friendly encounter with President Tinubu at the wedding ceremony of the son of former Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, in Kaduna. The two were seen exchanging pleasantries, leading to widespread commentary in political circles.
Lamido explained that his relationship with both Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is rooted in years of political and personal history.
“Atiku and I were founding members of the PDP. When he was Vice President, I served as Minister of Foreign Affairs. We share a common past, just as I do with Tinubu. Our political affiliations may differ today, but that doesn’t erase our shared history,” he said.
Referring to his brief interaction with President Tinubu at the Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna, Lamido recounted a light-hearted exchange:
“We hadn’t seen each other in a long time. I told him he looked good. He responded, ‘Sule, I love you because you’re trustworthy.’ We laughed and moved on. It was a moment of mutual respect, nothing more.”
Despite these personal connections, Lamido was clear that his political loyalty lies with the PDP and the opposition’s broader objective of rescuing Nigeria from what he described as misrule by the APC-led administration.
“My commitment is to the Nigerian people and to ensuring we build a country that works for all. Political engagement across party lines is necessary, but it doesn’t mean compromising our goals or principles.”
He also confirmed that the PDP is actively working to resolve its internal challenges and build a united front ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We are engaging with former allies and party members, building bridges and fostering dialogue. This isn’t just about politics — it’s about Nigeria’s future. We owe it to the people to offer credible leadership.”
Lamido concluded by reiterating the importance of unity among Nigerians, regardless of party affiliations:
“Every Nigerian has a stake in the presidency. If the President is perceived to be wrong, it is our duty — as citizens — to say so. That’s not disloyalty, that’s patriotism.”
