Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has dismissed Nasir El-Rufai’s invitation to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), insisting that he remains loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
El-Rufai, who recently dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the SDP, had called on major opposition figures—including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola—to join him in his new political home.
Though he didn’t mention Lamido by name, the ex-governor of Jigawa State took the invitation as an insult.
“You Can’t Make Us Leave PDP” – Lamido Fires Back
Speaking in a BBC Hausa interview on Sunday, March 16, 2025, Lamido made it clear that his loyalty to the PDP remains unshaken.
“The PDP we built is what gave birth to El-Rufai’s political career. You’re not strong enough to make us leave,” he said.
He further recalled how El-Rufai once criticized Nigeria’s political class, only to now invite them to join his new party.
“He once said there are no responsible politicians in Nigeria. Now, he wants us to follow him? What changed?”
Doubts Over El-Rufai’s Motives
Lamido also questioned El-Rufai’s sudden switch from the APC to the SDP, saying leadership should be about patience, vision, and the well-being of the people—not personal grievances.
“Leadership requires patience and a vision for the people. It’s not about fighting personal battles,” he stated.
“If I Wanted to Leave PDP, I Would Have Done So in 2014”
Reaffirming his commitment to the PDP, Lamido said there was no reason for him to defect.
“If I wanted to leave PDP, I would have done so in 2014 when the APC was formed. But I stayed because I believe in the party.”
He urged El-Rufai to put national interest above personal grudges, warning that political movements based on anger rarely yield positive results.
PDP’s Road to Recovery
Lamido acknowledged that the PDP has had its setbacks since losing power in 2015, but he emphasized that the party is rebuilding its strength and remains a key player in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“The PDP has faced challenges, but we are working to rebuild and come back stronger.”
With the 2027 elections on the horizon, Lamido’s remarks signal that the PDP is not willing to lose any more ground to emerging political forces like the SDP.
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