In a recent political development, former Jigawa State Governor and prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader, Sule Lamido, has firmly declined an invitation from ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
El-Rufai, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the SDP, extended the invitation to several opposition figures, including Lamido, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, aiming to consolidate opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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In an interview with BBC Hausa, Lamido described El-Rufai’s proposition as an affront, emphasizing his unwavering loyalty to the PDP—a party he played a significant role in establishing. He highlighted that the PDP was instrumental in El-Rufai’s political ascent, stating, “The party we formed, the PDP, is the one that gave birth to El-Rufai. You’re not enough to make us leave the PDP.”
Lamido also criticized El-Rufai’s inconsistent political stance, recalling instances where El-Rufai dismissed political elders but is now seeking their support. He questioned the rationale behind El-Rufai’s departure from the APC, especially after claiming to have informed former President Muhammadu Buhari about his decision. Lamido reaffirmed his dedication to the PDP, noting that if he had intended to defect, he would have done so during the formation of the APC in 2014.
Furthermore, Lamido underscored the importance of patience, vision, and selflessness in leadership, cautioning against politics driven by anger or personal ambition. He urged El-Rufai to prioritize patriotism over personal grievances and avoid divisive politics. Lamido concluded by emphasizing the PDP’s ongoing efforts to rebuild itself following its loss in the 2015 presidential election, expressing the party’s commitment to reclaiming political dominance in Nigeria.
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Implications for Nigeria’s Political Landscape
El-Rufai’s defection to the SDP and his call for opposition unity signify a potential realignment in Nigeria’s political arena. However, Lamido’s outright rejection highlights the complexities inherent in forging such alliances. The steadfastness of key PDP figures like Lamido suggests that any attempt to consolidate opposition forces under a new banner may face significant challenges.
Moreover, the APC has downplayed El-Rufai’s defection, asserting that it poses no threat to the party or President Bola Tinubu’s administration. APC leaders have characterized El-Rufai’s move as driven by personal ambition rather than ideological differences, indicating that his departure may not substantially impact the party’s prospects.
Conclusion
Sule Lamido’s rejection of Nasir El-Rufai’s invitation to join the SDP underscores the enduring loyalty of some Nigerian politicians to their foundational parties. It also reflects the challenges in uniting opposition figures with diverse political backgrounds and ideologies. As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, these dynamics will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s political future.
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