Published by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Abuja, Nigeria — Former Jigawa State governor and long‑time Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Sule Lamido, has emphatically rejected speculation that he plans to abandon the party, declaring his loyalty to the PDP even as the opposition faces deepening internal strife ahead of the 2027 general elections. His comments, delivered in a press interaction on Sunday, come amid widespread political realignment, defections by other politicians, and mounting anxieties over the PDP’s future cohesion and electoral viability.
Lamido, a founding member of the PDP and former foreign affairs minister, said he remains firmly committed to the party’s ideals, dismissing reports that he might defect to another political platform. Observers noted that his statement was a direct response to persistent rumours circulating in political and media circles that he could be preparing to leave the PDP amidst the ongoing factional battles that have engulfed the party.
The PDP, once Nigeria’s dominant political party, has been beset by internal disputes for several months, with rival factions contesting control of party organs and direction. These tensions have manifested in parallel leadership claims, legal challenges, and competing strategies for positioning the party in the run‑up to the 2027 elections. Lamido’s reaffirmation of loyalty underscores his determination to remain a key voice in these internal debates rather than abandon the party for a rival platform.
Ahead of his latest declaration, Lamido had voiced frustration with what he described as the marginalisation of longstanding party figures by newer power blocs within the PDP. Several months earlier, he publicly lamented that veteran members like himself were being sidelined by “new forces” seeking to reshape party structures and undermine the influence of founding members. In that context, he issued what was perceived as a nine‑day ultimatum for internal reconciliation before tensions escalated further.
Lamido’s allegiance to the PDP has not been without visible strain. In previous political interactions, he was critical of elements within the party that he believed were damaging its unity and effectiveness. Notably, in mid‑2025 he refused to attend PDP meetings until certain figures he regarded as disruptive were expelled from party structures — a comment widely interpreted as reflective of his deep dissatisfaction with internal dynamics.
Yet despite these disagreements, Lamido has consistently stopped short of leaving the party. He argued at the time that he would not defect even if he were to lose in party primaries, reinforcing his view that remaining within the PDP — even amid turbulence — was preferable to abandoning it for another organisation.
Political analysts say Lamido’s position reflects both personal conviction and strategic calculation. As one of the PDP’s most senior figures, his decision to stay offers a counterweight to narratives of mass defections that have seen some party members exit for rival parties such as the African Democratic Congress or the ruling All Progressives Congress. In parts of the political landscape, factions aligned with other aspirants have advocated for broader alignments or alternative platforms — but Lamido has resisted such shifts.
Lamido’s statement comes at a time when other prominent politicians have made moves away from their parties. In recent days, for example, a senator representing Sokoto East formally resigned from the APC, citing insecurity and hardship affecting his constituents — a development that underscores the fluidity of party affiliations across Nigeria’s political spectrum.
Moreover, another PDP member in Oyo State recently announced his resignation from the party after a period of personal reflection, signifying that while Lamido’s stance is firm, others continue to reconsider their allegiances.
The broader PDP context is one of complex struggles for relevance and unity. A recent commentary on the party’s condition described it as being in a near‑crisis state, marked by conflicting leadership manoeuvres, contested conventions, and uncertainty about its ability to present a cohesive front against rival parties in the upcoming elections. Within that environment, Lamido’s declaration of loyalty represents an effort by a senior figure to shore up the party’s internal morale and signal continuity rather than defection.
Lamido’s political pedigree adds weight to his pronouncement. Born in 1948 and active in Nigerian politics for decades, he served as governor of Jigawa State from 2007 to 2015 and as Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister from 1999 to 2003. Over the years, he has been involved in key national debates, including party leadership and electoral strategy, and remains a respected voice among older party elites.
Analysts suggest that Lamido’s loyalty may serve as a rallying point for other PDP stalwarts who are wary of fragmentation and the erosion of the party’s influence. With the 2027 elections on the horizon, the PDP’s ability to manage internal dissent and present united leadership will be critical to its competitiveness. Lamido’s continued presence within the party — especially at a time of factional contestation — may offer a measure of stability amid widespread speculation about defections across the political spectrum.
As Nigeria’s political environment continues to evolve rapidly, Sule Lamido’s commitment to remain within the PDP stands as a reaffirmation of both his personal political identity and his belief in the party’s foundational role in the country’s democratic process.
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