Misusing state power against opposition will backfire, Lamido warns Tinubu

The former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise caution in using state institutions, operatives, and resources to undermine opposition parties, stating that such actions could ultimately backfire on him.

The ex-governor made this statement during an exclusive interview with Tribune Online in Birninkudu town, his home local government area, shortly after he was elected as a national delegate to represent Birninkudu Local Government in the upcoming PDP national congress.

Alhaji Sule Lamido expressed concern over the alleged manner in which the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu are reportedly using government institutions to threaten, harass, and weaken opposition parties in preparation for his second-term bid in 2027. He described these actions as democratically harmful to both the president and the political system.

As one of the founding fathers of the PDP and a member of its Board of Trustees, Lamido stated, “If you look at the way people are trooping out of PDP, it is very, very obnoxious and poses a threat to the country. The country and democracy are in serious danger because, by destroying opposition using state institutions such as INEC, the Police, DSS, and EFCC, you are not only destroying your opposition but also yourself.”

He added, “The foundation of democracy is built on freedom, liberty, and opposition. Tinubu, in his wisdom, believes that by destroying opposition political parties like PDP, he is enhancing his political fortune. Unfortunately, he is being too clever by half because destroying PDP as a political party means Nigeria itself would be destroyed, and everything will collapse on him.”

Lamido expressed optimism that those who have left the PDP will return. “Just wait for five or six months, and by the end of this year, you will see. Tinubu is committing political suicide. Those who are joining him are also committing political suicide. They are on a mission with the president, but by the end of their journey, they will come back.”

He further stated, “A political party, no matter what, should be able to defend itself against opposition. If APC is working against APC, that is no problem. But when the government and the president are fighting PDP, this is dangerous. PDP, as an opposition party, can fight the ruling APC, and APC can fight us. But when the entire government of the federation uses its tools to fight us, this is the real danger.”

Lamido continued, “It is not APC fighting us; it is the government fighting us. It is Tinubu, as president, fighting us. If he destroys the system and the institutions he is using, he is simply inviting the mother of political suicide. Those who are following him and joining him are afraid of EFCC. But why should anyone fear EFCC? If you recall what Ribadu (NSA) said about him (President Tinubu) years ago, why should I fear him? Because he was exposed by EFCC in the past, how can I fear him?”

He concluded, “The idea of using state institutions and operatives to destroy opposition political parties amounts to self-destruction. That is why I said those who are going there are committing political suicide. When they reach the end of the road, they will come back.”

Commenting on his election as a national delegate, Lamido explained that he would not have been elected under the previous party constitution. “Before the amendment, all former governors, members of the BOT, and others were automatic delegates. Based on the present constitutional provisions, the number of delegates has been reduced to less than 800 from about 5,000. That is why, in their wisdom, the people of my local government felt that I should go there as a delegate, perhaps to guide them.”

He expressed gratitude and happiness for the gesture from the party and its members for honouring him with the mandate.

Alhaji Sule Lamido also commended the PDP family and the electoral committee for their excellent work and thanked the members for conducting themselves in an orderly manner.

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