Lamido Insists PDP is His Political Home, Mobilizes Supporters with Jigawa Standing Firm
In a resolute stance amid Nigeria's shifting political landscape, former Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Sule Lamido has emphatically declared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as his unwavering political home, leading a vigorous effort to consolidate the party's base in Jigawa ahead of the 2027 general elections. Lamido dismissed concerns over the PDP's future, asserting steadfast loyalty despite internal challenges and recent defections that have rocked other parties.
Lamido's Unyielding Loyalty and Critique of Defectors
Speaking from his residence over the weekend, Lamido reacted sharply to rumors about his absence at a recent PDP convention, questioning the fairness of such claims. "How do you come up with this information? Are you really being fair to me?" he retorted. Acknowledging the PDP's internal issues, Lamido insisted they are insufficient grounds for abandonment, likening the party to a personal home. "Yes, it is true, there are problems in PDP. But it is my party—my home. If my house is leaking, I will not abandon it and go and rent a small house somewhere else," he stated, using this analogy to criticize politicians who defect to other platforms as lacking conviction and ideological depth.
Lamido further questioned the morality of political realignments, particularly referencing the African Democratic Congress (ADC). "Those who went to ADC were originally in PDP… they left their home. Morally, is it right to go and confiscate another party from its owners?" He argued that frequent defections reflect a deficiency in political capacity, noting, "They left because they have no capacity to stand on their own and build something fresh." Additionally, he dismissed assertions that Nyesom Wike is the national leader of the PDP, emphasizing that leadership perceptions vary within parties. "Did I say that? People are free to believe who their leader is. Even within parties, some people believe in certain leaders, others do not," he remarked.
Political Developments Bolstering PDP's Position in Jigawa
Beyond Lamido's rhetoric, political developments in Jigawa State appear to reinforce his position. Stakeholders highlight the PDP's deep-rooted structure and grassroots appeal, which continue to provide a commanding edge. "Jigawa is the heart of PDP in northern Nigeria today. PDP is still very strong in Jigawa," one insider noted. Recent cracks within the All Progressives Congress (APC) have further strengthened this narrative, with reports of mass resignations and internal discontent. "People have left APC in the last three days in droves… the party they are looking for is PDP," another source revealed.
In the past few days, several key APC figures in Jigawa have reportedly stepped down, indicating growing dissatisfaction. Among them are former aides and party stalwarts, including:
- Bala Usman Chamo
- Muhammed Sabo Yankoli
- Hon. Jamilu Uwais Xaki
- Alhaji Auwal Sasani
- Aminu Salle Illalla
- Hassan Musa Namadeena
"They have not joined yet, but they have all resigned. And the only alternative they see is PDP," an analyst observed. This trend points to weakening cohesion within the APC, with experts noting, "The way people are leaving APC shows something is wrong… it suggests the leadership is losing control."
Structural Advantages and Renewed Confidence in PDP
The PDP's enduring institutional base in Jigawa, spanning the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assembly, remains a key advantage. "PDP has structure in the state… people fall back to that structure," a political observer commented. Combined with the influence of established figures like Lamido and former governor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, this structural strength continues to shape the state's political calculations. "Lamido is a force to reckon with—whether you like it or not. If anybody wants to capture Jigawa, they must reckon with Lamido and Badaru… that's the reality," an analyst emphasized.
This foundation is fueling renewed confidence within the PDP. "PDP is becoming stronger, and that is where the tension is coming from," noted a stakeholder. At a recent meeting in Dutse, Lamido reinforced party unity and readiness for upcoming elections. "We are not going anywhere. We will remain in PDP. Everybody will contest—from State Assembly to President—under PDP. No shaking," he declared. He urged members to remain law-abiding and politically active, particularly in voter registration. "INEC has spoken. Our duty is to obey the law… go and revalidate your voter cards. Don't complain, don't give excuses—prepare for the election," he directed, also encouraging participation in digital membership registration as a reaffirmation of loyalty.
A Party Consolidating Amid Rival Instability
With defections rocking rival ranks and no clear alternative platform commanding similar structure, the PDP in Jigawa appears not only stable but increasingly consolidated. Lamido's message remains clear: "I am not going to any political house owned by somebody else. I am from a political home." He also criticized the APC, describing its wave of defections as a sign of instability, while maintaining that the PDP is the most viable platform for democratic consolidation. Using a governance metaphor, Lamido said, "If a vehicle is not working, you don't blame the passengers—you blame the driver."
As the countdown to 2027 begins, this sense of "home" may prove to be the PDP's strongest political advantage in Jigawa, positioning the party for a robust electoral contest.
