In a special interview, El-Rufai—without mentioning Lamido by name—called on opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, and others, to follow him to SDP.
Alhaji Sule Lamido, a former Jigawa State Governor and key PDP figure, has reacted to former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, over his invitation for politicians to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Last week, El-Rufai announced his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to SDP.
In a special interview, El-Rufai—without mentioning Lamido by name—called on opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, and others, to follow him to SDP.
However, Sule Lamido strongly criticized the invitation, arguing that El-Rufai lacks the political ideology and commitment to national development needed to make such a call.
“Honestly, without disrespect, how does he expect us in PDP to follow him to another party? The PDP is the party that made him who he is,” Lamido stated in an interview with BBC.
Comparing the situation to family lineage, Lamido added, “How can a grandson claim that his grandfather knows nothing?”
Lamido recalled that El-Rufai once dismissed the influence of political elders in Nigeria, claiming that he and his allies were the real power brokers when he was governor.
“But now, he says he advised Buhari on his next steps. If he truly believes Buhari’s instructions are irrelevant, why did he seek his approval before leaving APC?” Lamido remarked.
Lamido reiterated his commitment to PDP, dismissing claims that the party is finished.
“No matter the challenges within PDP, this is the party that shaped Nigerian democracy. If El-Rufai was ever a minister, it was under PDP. Everything he has today, PDP made it possible,” he stated.
He emphasized that if he had ever considered leaving PDP, he would have done so in 2014 when the APC was formed, but he chose to remain.
“They left PDP in anger, claiming it had failed. Now APC has failed them, so what next?” Lamido questioned.
Addressing the broader political landscape, Lamido cautioned against making leadership decisions based on emotions.
“Leadership is not driven by anger, frustration, or personal ambition. It requires patience, foresight, and a commitment to the peace and well-being of the nation,” he said.
Regarding calls to remove President Bola Tinubu, Lamido warned against opposition driven by personal grievances.
“If the goal is to remove Tinubu, it should not be out of anger. You don’t fight a leader simply because he upset you or for revenge.
Governance should be about national interest, not personal emotions,” he declared.
He urged Nigerian politicians to focus on the country’s progress rather than personal disputes.
“Nigeria’s image in the world is at stake. Our governance must respect human rights and ensure peace. What we need is reform, not emotional reactions,” Lamido concluded.
