How Tinubu Is Using Presidential Power to Coerce PDP Governors into APC, Lamido Explains
- Former Jigawa governor Sule Lamido accused President Tinubu of using state power and agencies like the EFCC to intimidate PDP leaders into joining the APC
- Lamido warned that the strategy risks deepening national disunity and weakening Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 elections
- Despite reaffirming loyalty to PDP, he vowed to support any platform that can genuinely rescue Nigeria from insecurity, poverty and corruption
Former Jigawa state governor Sule Lamido has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of systematically deploying presidential power and federal agencies to intimidate opposition politicians into defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking to journalists during an interactive session in Kano, Lamido warned that the country’s democracy is being quietly eroded through what he described as the calculated use of institutions like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to silence critics and force political realignment.
Source: Facebook
As reported by Daily Trust, he pointed to recent developments involving former Delta State governor and PDP vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa as an example.
“As an example, take Okowa. He was PDP’s vice-presidential candidate. Suddenly, he’s facing charges of N1.3 trillion. Then he joins APC and just like that, no EFCC, no case. Everything is buried,” Lamido said.
Lamido argued that such moves recall the controversial words attributed to Senator Adams Oshiomhole, “Once you join APC, your sins are forgiven,” adding that the trend reflects a deeper manipulation of institutions for political ends.
Lamido criticises Tinubu's government
He also criticised what he called a deliberate strategy of divide and rule that has left Nigeria more fragmented, insecure, and distrustful than it was decades ago.
“Today, Nigeria is not the country it was 25 years ago. There is no security, no stability, no trust,” he lamented.
On the possibility of an opposition coalition to challenge the APC in 2027, Lamido argued that current efforts lack the institutional cohesion of the 2014 merger that birthed the APC.
Source: Facebook
“What we had in 2014 was a coalition of organs — CPC, ACN, ANPP, and PDP defectors. Today’s so-called coalition is a gathering of individuals, no institutional foundation, no clear parameters,” he observed.
Despite internal crises within the Peoples Democratic Party, Lamido reaffirmed his loyalty to the party, declaring:
“I remain in PDP. I was made, jailed, harassed, and nearly killed because of PDP. I will not renounce my history, my legacy, my heritage.”
He expressed frustration, however, at the hypocrisy of some PDP leaders who publicly support Tinubu’s administration while still claiming loyalty to the party.
“There are governors and ministers claiming PDP but working for Tinubu. You’re calling me anti-party? Then I will do anti-party to build Nigeria not to destroy it,” Lamido added.
Group claims Tinubu, Shettima's bond unbreakable
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a political advocacy group Northern Vanguard issued a strong caution to politicians and power brokers allegedly scheming to fracture the relationship between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement on Thursday, the group’s President, Chief Edward Gulak, condemned what he described as a calculated campaign of discord targeting the presidency.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
