‘Nigerians voted without thinking’ – Lamido dismisses calls for new party

Former Governor of Jigawa State and a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Sule Lamido, has attributed Nigeria’s ongoing challenges to its citizens.

Speaking at his residence in Bamaina during a Ramadan fast-breaking event on Sunday, Lamido reacted to recent calls for the formation of a new political party to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

He said Nigerians decided to vote out the People's Democratic Party, PDP, from power and brought in the APC without thinking about the consequences.

“As I have been saying, Nigerians don't know much about Tinubu. He is an expert in deceit and selfishness,” Lamido said.

His comments followed a call by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, urging opposition leaders to unite under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to rescue Nigeria from the current administration.

Lamido, however, dismissed the idea, arguing that emotions and anger alone cannot defeat President Tinubu.

“You cannot challenge Tinubu with rage, greed, hate, envy, or wickedness. He is a master of all that,”; Lamido said. “Only the ideals of truth and nationalism can confront him effectively.”;

He urged politicians who previously belonged to the PDP to return to the party, emphasizing that there is no shame in reuniting with a political family that had successfully governed the country between 1999 and 2015.

“When a nation faces difficulties, its leaders must not let personal grievances affect their judgment,”; he added.

Lamido further criticized the current administration, asserting that Nigeria is in a worse state now than it was under the PDP.

“We need to reflect, be honest with ourselves, and ask: Are we better off now than we were before this government took over? The answer is no,”; he stated.

According to him, only a strong and united PDP has the capacity to reclaim power and provide effective governance for Nigerians.

He urged all PDP members since 1999 to reunite with the party to ensure victory in the coming election.