Sule Lamido Reaffirms Loyalty to PDP Amid ADC Coalition, Slams APC Leadership

Alhaji Sule Lamido, former Governor of Jigawa State and a founding father of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has firmly declared that his loyalty to the PDP remains unshakable, even as he throws his weight behind the opposition coalition led by Senator David Mark under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Speaking over the weekend in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, Lamido made his position clear while addressing a large gathering of party loyalists at an empowerment program organized by Senator Mustapha Khabeeb (PDP, Jigawa South West).

Lamido, a political heavyweight in the North-West and a central figure in the history of Nigeria’s democratic transition since 1999, said the formation of the ADC-led coalition is a necessary political strategy to rescue the country from what he called the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, he emphasized that his commitment to the PDP is beyond politics—it’s rooted in legacy and principle.

“I Built PDP with My Sweat and Soul” – Lamido Declares

“Yes, I support the coming together of the opposition under the ADC, but let it be known I will never leave the PDP,” Lamido stated emphatically. “I built this house with my sweat and soul. My role now is to offer guidance and ensure Nigeria finds her way back.”

The former governor’s remarks came at a critical time when Nigeria’s political landscape is witnessing increasing collaborations among opposition parties aiming to unseat the APC at both state and national levels. Lamido’s stance aims to maintain internal PDP unity while encouraging broader strategic cooperation among anti-APC forces.

During his address, Lamido didn’t hold back in his criticism of the ruling APC, accusing the party of governing in self-interest and failing to address the needs of ordinary Nigerians. “The three PDP federal lawmakers from Jigawa are serving the people. APC lawmakers? They’re serving only themselves. Let the people judge,” he said.

In a rare show of political inclusiveness, Lamido introduced Kabiru Hussaini, the Jigawa State chairman of the ADC, to the crowd, symbolizing the unity of purpose among opposition groups in the state.

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Senator Khabeeb: PDP Brought Real Development to Jigawa

The event host, Senator Mustapha Khabeeb, echoed Lamido’s sentiments, using the occasion to highlight the PDP’s achievements in Jigawa during its years in power. Khabeeb reminded the audience of the transformation the state witnessed under Lamido’s administration between 2007 and 2015.

“From 1999 to 2015, and especially under Sule Lamido, Jigawa knew what development looked like—roads, schools, hospitals, real change,” Khabeeb said. “What do we have now? APC has brought nothing but hunger and hopelessness.”

The senator also unveiled several empowerment initiatives at the event, signaling his intent to sustain the PDP’s legacy of grassroots development and support for the masses.

ADC Accuses APC of Political Hypocrisy Over Buhari’s Death

Meanwhile, the ADC made headlines of its own by accusing the APC and the federal government of hypocrisy over their public mourning of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The party criticized the ruling administration for spending two years blaming Buhari for the nation’s economic and security woes, only to now present itself as the chief mourner following his death.

In a statement signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, the party announced a three-day mourning period to honour Buhari, beginning today. The party also suspended all political activities and public communications during this period.

“Regardless of political affiliations, what cannot be denied is that President Buhari served this country with a fierce sense of duty, personal discipline, and conviction,” the statement read. The ADC’s tone struck a balance between political criticism and respectful commemoration.

Opposition Strategy: Unity Without Compromise

The unfolding developments paint a picture of a political opposition aiming to achieve unity without dissolving core party identities. Lamido’s strategic support for ADC while reaffirming loyalty to PDP demonstrates an evolving model of coalition-building that respects foundational party allegiances.

As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, this combination of internal unity and external alliance could become the opposition’s most potent weapon against a ruling party grappling with public dissatisfaction, economic hardship, and rising calls for change.

For now, all eyes remain on how the PDP, ADC, and other opposition elements will navigate their cooperation—and whether this coalition can genuinely offer Nigerians a credible alternative in 2027.