The former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido has declared that his longstanding friendship with President Bola Tinubu will not prevent him from working against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Lamido, in an interview with the BBC, emphasized that politics and friendship must remain separate, insisting his loyalty lies with Nigeria’s progress and the survival of the opposition.
“Tinubu and I know each other very well, but we haven’t met in a while.
He told me, ‘Sule, I love you because you are trustworthy.’ We laughed and left. But that doesn’t change politics. My duty is to unite Nigerians in opposition to his government,” Lamido said.
The comment came after Lamido and Tinubu were seen laughing and exchanging pleasantries at the wedding of former Zamfara Governor Abdulaziz Yari’s son in Kaduna, fueling speculation about their political alignment.
Lamido dismissed the speculation, stressing that his commitment is to mobilize opposition forces against what he described as the APC-led government’s failures on insecurity, economic hardship, and national unity.
He further reiterated his loyalty to the PDP despite recent high-profile defections, including that of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). “Atiku and I formed the PDP.
We are still talking to many Nigerians who were once with us but are now scattered. What we are doing is for the people, not ourselves,” Lamido said.
The former governor added that the PDP is working to resolve its internal crises and strengthen unity ahead of 2027.
“We are constantly engaging, reaching compromises where needed, and ensuring dialogue continues. Nigeria must move forward, and we will hold Tinubu accountable,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State APC dismissed opposition claims, including suggestions that President Tinubu would serve only one term.
APC spokesman Seye Oladejo described such comments as “wishful thinking from political lightweights,” insisting Tinubu is laying the foundation for long-term transformation.
With Lamido maintaining his opposition stance and the PDP struggling to reorganize, the 2027 elections are already shaping up to be a fierce political contest.
