Former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido Addresses Nasir El-Rufai’s Invitation to Join SDP

 

On March 16, 2025, Sule Lamido, the former governor of Jigawa State and a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), publicly responded to an invitation from ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who recently urged opposition leaders to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Lamido’s reaction came after El-Rufai, having defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the SDP, extended a call to influential opposition figures, including Lamido, to unite under the SDP banner. The exchange has sparked significant political discourse as Nigeria navigates its complex and dynamic political landscape.

El-Rufai’s Move to SDP and His Call to Opposition Leaders

Nasir El-Rufai, a seasoned politician and former key APC member, announced his departure from the ruling party earlier in March 2025, citing dissatisfaction with its direction. His defection to the SDP was a bold move, signaling his intent to reshape Nigeria’s opposition politics. In a widely publicized interview, El-Rufai invited notable opposition leaders—such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola—to join him in strengthening the SDP as a viable alternative to the APC and PDP. While he did not mention Lamido by name, the invitation was broadly interpreted as encompassing major PDP figures like him.

El-Rufai’s pitch framed the SDP as a fresh platform for politicians disillusioned with the status quo, emphasizing its potential to challenge the APC’s dominance in future elections. His defection and subsequent call have fueled speculation about a possible realignment of political forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Lamido’s Firm Rejection of the Invitation

In a candid interview with BBC Hausa, Sule Lamido dismissed El-Rufai’s invitation as unfounded and even insulting, reaffirming his unwavering loyalty to the PDP. Lamido, a founding member of the PDP and a veteran of Nigerian politics, argued that El-Rufai lacked the moral or ideological authority to lure PDP stalwarts to the SDP. “The PDP is the party that gave El-Rufai his political identity,” Lamido asserted. “How can he now expect us to abandon it and follow him?”

Lamido’s response was steeped in historical context. He reminded listeners that El-Rufai’s political career gained prominence under the PDP’s umbrella, including his tenure as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. “Everything he has achieved, the PDP made possible,” Lamido said, underscoring the party’s role in shaping El-Rufai’s trajectory before his eventual shift to the APC in 2014.

A Critique of El-Rufai’s Political Consistency

Lamido didn’t stop at defending the PDP; he also questioned El-Rufai’s motives and consistency. He pointed to El-Rufai’s past statements, where the former Kaduna governor had downplayed the influence of political elders, claiming that he and his contemporaries were the true architects of Nigeria’s political landscape. “He once said there were no elders in Nigerian politics,” Lamido remarked. “Now he’s calling on us to join him. What has changed?”

The ex-Jigawa governor further challenged El-Rufai’s decision to leave the APC, noting that he had reportedly sought approval from former President Muhammadu Buhari before defecting. “If he believes the old guard is irrelevant, why did he need Buhari’s blessing to make his move?” Lamido asked, highlighting what he perceives as a contradiction in El-Rufai’s stance.

Loyalty to PDP Amid Challenges

Lamido’s rejection of the SDP invitation was accompanied by a staunch defense of the PDP, despite its internal struggles and electoral setbacks since losing power in 2015. “The PDP is not dead,” he insisted. “It’s the party that laid the foundation for Nigeria’s democracy. No matter the challenges, it remains my home.” He emphasized that if he had any intention of leaving, he would have done so in 2014 when the APC was formed by defectors from the PDP, including El-Rufai himself. “They left us in anger, claiming we had failed,” Lamido said. “Now that the APC has failed them, they want us to follow them again?”

This loyalty reflects Lamido’s deep-rooted connection to the PDP, a party he helped establish in 1998. His tenure as Jigawa governor from 2007 to 2015 and his earlier role as Foreign Affairs Minister under Obasanjo cemented his status as a PDP heavyweight, making his rebuff of El-Rufai’s overture a significant statement.

A Call for Purpose-Driven Leadership

Beyond rejecting the invitation, Lamido offered a broader critique of El-Rufai’s approach to politics. He argued that leadership should be driven by a commitment to national progress rather than personal grievances or emotional reactions. “Nigeria’s image in the world is at stake,” he said. “We need governance that respects human rights and ensures peace, not decisions fueled by anger or revenge.”

This perspective positions Lamido as an advocate for principled politics, urging leaders to prioritize the collective good over individual ambitions. His comments resonate with ongoing debates about the state of Nigerian democracy, where personal rivalries and party defections often overshadow policy substance.

Political Implications and Public Sentiment

Lamido’s response has reverberated across Nigeria’s political sphere, drawing attention to the PDP’s resilience and the challenges facing the SDP’s ambitions. Political analysts see his stance as a boost to PDP loyalists working to revitalize the party, even as it grapples with factionalism and the need to regain public trust. Meanwhile, El-Rufai’s SDP project faces an uphill battle in convincing high-profile figures to abandon established parties.

On platforms like X, reactions to Lamido’s remarks have been varied. Some users have praised his loyalty and critique of El-Rufai, viewing it as a stand against opportunistic politics. Others question whether the PDP can reclaim its past glory, suggesting that El-Rufai’s call might appeal to those seeking a new political vehicle. The exchange has undoubtedly heightened anticipation about how opposition forces will coalesce in the coming years.

Looking Ahead

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, the interplay between the APC, PDP, and emerging parties like the SDP will shape the nation’s political future. Lamido’s firm rejection of El-Rufai’s invitation underscores the enduring loyalty of some PDP stalwarts, even as others explore alternative platforms. For El-Rufai, the task of building the SDP into a formidable force remains daunting, requiring more than appeals to disaffected politicians.

For now, Sule Lamido stands as a vocal defender of the PDP’s legacy, challenging El-Rufai’s vision with a blend of historical pride and forward-looking resolve. His response not only rebuffs a political rival but also reaffirms his belief in a Nigeria where leadership transcends personal ambition—a message that could influence the broader discourse as the country navigates its next chapter.