Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has observed that President Bola Tinubu’s rise to power is distinct from that of his predecessors, including figures like Yakubu Gowon, Murtala Muhammed, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Muhammadu Buhari, who each gained support from influential institutions.
In a recent interview, Lamido remarked that these leaders, unlike Tinubu, relied on the backing of key institutions or strong political constituencies rather than solely on personal influence. “Tinubu’s journey,” he said, “is defined by his personality rather than institutional support.” Lamido argued that Buhari, for instance, needed four attempts before winning the presidency, showing he couldn’t do it alone.
Lamido, a member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), elaborated on Nigeria’s political landscape, noting that many prominent figures in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) originated in the PDP, creating a bridge between the two parties. He commented, “Today’s APC crisis actually has its roots in past PDP issues.”
On PDP’s internal dynamics, Lamido was asked about former PDP leaders now aligned with the APC, including prominent officials in the National Assembly. He responded that for PDP to regain strength, it must reconcile with members who left for the APC.
Touching on the divisive role of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, now an APC federal minister, Lamido called Wike “inconsequential” to PDP history. “Our focus should be on PDP leaders who understand the party’s mission. With their return, we can offer a credible alternative to APC.” Lamido concluded that he and other PDP leaders are working privately on strategies to revive the party’s legacy.
