Opinion
Akpabio: A poisoned chalice to APC
By: Ukeme Mathew Inyang
Why and how he found his way into APC is a story for another day. Some say he was hunted by his treacherous tendencies while in the Senate; others say, it was an escape route from prosecution by the anti-graft agency for alleged corruption charges. We were told that his fervent plea to join the party was rebuffed by members of the Party familiar with his over-bearing tendencies and capacity for betrayal. Behind the rigorous negotiations, all we saw and can recall was a picture of Senator Akpabio taken with President Muhammadu Buhari while the later was on a visit to London. Akpabio was photographed full body bent forward from the waist with head bowed in obeisance and submission in a handshake with President Buhari. That encounter with Mr. President in the UK perhaps marked the acceptance and entrance of Senator Akpabio into APC. A highly regrettable event that adherents of the Party now described as a poisoned chalice to the party.
Barely a few days thereafter, precisely on 8th of August 2018 Senator Akpabio was formally received into APC by the then National Chairman of the Party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole alongside the National Leader of the Party Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a large and colourful ceremony at Ikot Ekpene township plaza. At the reception, Comrade Oshiomhole, in the hysteria of the moment and insensitive of the peculiarity of Akwa Ibom APC declared both Akpabio and his wife leaders of the Party in the state. Following thence, the seed of discord was sowed in Akwa Ibom APC as things began to fall apart.
In a statement by a former Governor, Obong Victor Attah, the revered statesman expressed reservations and disappointment over the acceptance of Senator Akpabio into the APC family. He averred that APC had 80% chance of winning the 2019 governorship election in the state but with Akpabio’s defection and acceptance into the Party, that likelihood was reduced to below 50%. He said; “if APC manages to win Akwa Ibom, it will be in spite of Akpabio and not because of Akpabio”. Akpabio’s negative influence, his unguarded and loquacious comments and the retributions for the sins and hurt he inflicted on others while in government/power has continued to trail him in his new political abode. His threat of “war saw war” and boast to win the 2019 general election for APC in 3hours tuned out a ruse and a disservice to the party.
As the APC candidate for Akwa Ibom North-East (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial district in the last general elections, Akpabio lost woefully to the PDP candidate, Engr. Chris Ekpenyong whom pundits didn’t give any chance of winning because of Akpabio’s purported popularity. His defeat in the 2019 election seemed the lowest ebb in his political career as reported by his erstwhile political associates whom he accused of deserting him. However, like a cat with nine lives, Akpabio bounced back in controversial circumstances when he was unbelievably appointed Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and made the supervisory Minister of the NDDC. His appointment was greeted with opprobrium in many circles by politicians who thought Akpabio was underserving of the office having just been admitted into the party at the expense of capable and existing members of the party in the state.
As Minister, Akpabio rebound his political career amidst controversies with the leadership of the Senate regarding the composition of the NDDC Board and allegations of humongous financial corruption in the Commission. Akpabio survived a scandalous corruption investigation by the Senate that left his image and reputation as a public officer severely bruised and damaged. Pundit posit that his anti-corruption posturing and forensic audit mantra may have spared him a presidential hammer further to President Buhari’s interest to clean the rot that had characterized the NDDC.
For two years, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and supervisory Minister of the NDDC has managed the commission as a personal estate with a sole administrator hand-picked by him with the liberty to deal as he wishes without a substantive Board to regulate activities of the Commission. Under this arrangement, the Minister is the supremo devoid of the involvement of actors from the participating states and other stakeholders of the Commission.
Contrary to expectation, Akpabio has failed to live up to his prospects as a Minister of the Federal Republic in an APC government whose additional responsibility according to the Party constitution is to support the party administration. His support for the party is abysmal and nothing to reckon with. During the APC membership registration exercise, the Minister did not make any contribution to facilitate the exercise in the state. He has also chosen to remain aloof refusing to collaborate with the party while pursuing his private agenda in the on-going party congresses.His ward and chapter are without functional Party offices which raises concerns about his interest and commitment to the party.
Since its founding in 2014, Akwa Ibom APC has been sustained under the colligate leadership of principal actors (in no specific order) like Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, Obong Nsima Ekere, Group Captain Sam Enwang (Rtd), Senator Ita Enang, Otuekong Chief Don Etibet (CON) and others. These set of leaders were responsible for building and sustaining the party until the eve of the 2019 general elections when Senator Akpabio was admitted into the Party. As predicted by Obong Victor Attah, in spite of the groundswell of its membership and available logistics support, APC performed below expectation at the election winning only one State Assembly seat through court pronouncement.
Like a ship wrecked by storm, the centre could no longer hold as the party appeared to have gone into disarray until the appointment of Senator John James Akpanudoedehe (Ph.D) as the Secretary, Caretaker Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) in mid-2020. Regrettably, while the rest of the leaders and party members rejoiced over Senator Udoedehe’s appointment, Senator Akpabio exclusively appeared disheartened and silently queried the appointment. Reports say he claimed not to have been consulted prior to such appointment being made. Consequently, Akpabio has remained contemptuous of the National Secretary and his office refusing to attend several stakeholders meeting convened by the Party with the Secretary and other leaders in attendance.
In his characteristic manner, rather than join hands to work with others he came to meet in the Party, Akpabio has designed for himself ostensibly within the APC family a political agenda and programme that suits his interest and future political career. In that regard, he initiated and launched a political group named; Akwa Ibom Democratic Forum (ADF) with memberships and structure across the state that he uses to further his political interest. Akpabio publicly identify with and sponsors activities of ADF. At a public event of ADF, Akpabio admitted that ADF was a non-partisan political group with membership opened to persons with different political persuasion and not necessarily restricted to APC members. He said the object and mantra of ADF was to produce a “dependable leader” for Akwa Ibom state come 2023. Interestingly, ADF has blatantly rebuffed an appeal by the state chapter for all APC oriented or associated support groups to come forward and register/identify with the party for synergy and coordination. With NDDC monies in his pocket and access to power in Abuja as Minister representing Akwa Ibom state, Akpabio perpetrates his private agenda under the banner of Akwa Ibom APC without recourse to the party. Federal appointments within his reach and empowerment programmes at the NDDC are filled only by his core loyalists with disregard to other members of the party.
Perhaps, Akpabio’s quest to impose “a dependable leader” who will govern Akwa Ibom state come 2023 is fuelled by his accustom desire and past unrestricted access to the state treasury during his tenure as Governor. If allowed or given the opportunity, who would not want to continually sit on the saddle of a horse knowing how discomforting sitting on other parts is. The political tussle in Akwa Ibom APC as recently manifested is largely induced by Akpabio’s refusal to work with others, his desire to usurp the party and take charge as leader and his inordinate desire to impose a “dependable leader” on the state.
Amongst other postulations by political pundits, Akpabio’s game plan as predicted by analyst are his contention to (i) emerge leader of APC in the south- south geo-political zone that will fairly dispose and position him for consideration as the Party’s candidate for President or Vice President as the case maybe, (ii) to take charge and deliver Akwa Ibom state not necessarily to APC but to any other political party he may again defect to in the near future and (iii) in the worst case scenario position himself by whatever means to return to the senate in 2023. Rumours are rife that he is preparing to defect to PDP anytime soon.
Has anyone ever pondered why Akpabio is intolerant and unwilling to cooperate and work with other political leaders from the state? One would have expected Senator Akpabio to work amicably with senator John Udoedehe as the National secretary, particularly coming from his home state. But sadly; arrogance, pomposity, self-fishiness and greed often comes into play. As a two term PDP Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Akpabio ensured that he directly or surreptitiously denied potential Akwa Ibom sons and daughters access to the presidential villa. He also ensured that no Akwa Ibom son held any position in the party that may challenge his powers and authority on matters concerning Akwa Ibom at the National level. That’s Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio; a leopard that cannot change its skin.
In Akpabio’s current scheme to seize the soul of the party in order to throw-up a dependable governorship candidate in 2023 he first sought to declare himself leader of APC in the state. His numerous attempts in that regard met with a brick wall being that as a fresh entrant into the party, he met others on ground and needed to shelve his ego to work in unison with others. Failing, Akpabio resorted to making unguarded statements about the Party and creating tension within its rank and file using his foot soldiers in ADF as vessels for destabilization and fractionalization of the party.
The height of Akpabio’s private scheme and divisive tendency came with the just concluded Party ward congresses where Akpabio working in contradistinction with the party in collaboration with his separatist group (ADF) sought to sack the state caretaker committee and install a parallel structure unknown to the constitution of the party. ADF for inexplicable reasons appeared unprepared for the ward congresses which held in the 329 wards of the state on July, 31st 2021. ADF members were seen parambulating the party office in Uyo as the congresses were on-going at the respective ward centres.
In desperation and pursuit of a secret agenda, they formulated in their imagination and whims lists of wards executive officers purporting same to represent the ward executive list of APC in the state.
This was after Senator Akpabio and his accomplices had carried out extensive negative media campaign contesting alleged impropriety in the conduct of the ward congresses, instituted a pending suit and appeared before the Ward Congress Appeal Committee to ventilate their grievances. Notwithstanding the imperfections in their actions and without necessarily waiting for the ruling of the Ward Congress Appeal Committee, Akpabio’s group in total violation of the directive of the Party claimed to have inaugurated members of the Party’s ward executive officers in a close ceremony at a private location in Uyo. This was ofcourse, without authorization by the Party that is yet to make official pronouncement for the publication of names of the winners at the respective ward congresses across the country.
This last-ditch effort by Akpabio and the alleged inauguration of a spurious ward executive officers is an affront to the Party and a “poke in the eye” of the National leadership of the Party. Those who admitted Senator Godswill Akpabio into APC should better come and clean the mess he has created for the Party in Akwa Ibom state. What manner of impunity that an officer appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari could so audaciously and callously challenge actions undertaken by the party wherein President Buhari is the leader?
OBITER
It was in this state that Akpabio made a boast as Governor, that he crossed off one’s name and replaced same with another for presentation to INEC as the senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom North-East senatorial District. In 2015, Akpabio as Governor singularly, nominated the 26 PDP candidates for the AKHA elections, ten PDP candidates for the Federal House and 3 PDP senatorial candidates. Against all odds, Akpabio singularly threw-up Udom Emmanuel as Governor. Heavens did not fall and Akwa Ibom survived his autocracy and strong-arm politics. The only difference now is that Akpabio is at the receiving end. Power is transient; the rich also cry.
Abba Dukawa
The political crisis began in December 2023, when Governor Fubara ordered the demolition of the state House of Assembly complex, which remains unrebuilt to this day. This act has effectively paralyzed the legislative arm, disrupting the state’s system of checks and balances.
The Supreme Court highlighted the severity of this situation on February 28, 2025, emphasizing the absence of a functional government in Rivers State and the executive’s role in collapsing the legislative arm, thereby creating a governance void
Additionally, recent reports indicate that militants have been vandalizing pipelines and issuing threats without any intervention from the state government, raising concerns about the state’s security and economic stability.Given Rivers State’s crucial role in the country’s economy, this situation necessitates urgent and cautious intervention from the federal government.Despite interventions from various stakeholders, including Tinubu himself, the crisis has persisted
.It’s worth noting that Tinubu is the third president to invoke Section 305 of the Constitution, after Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and Former President Goodluck Jonathan.
President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has sparked intense debate about its necessity and potential motivations. During his nationwide speech, Tinubu warned that this decision could set off a chain of unpredictable events, potentially leading to radical ideologies and extremist tendencies.
Critics argue that Tinubu’s decision was unnecessary and politically motivated, particularly given his connection to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, who is accused of being the “arrowhead” of the crisis. Some believe that Tinubu’s administration aims to remove Governor Fubara, perceived as hostile to the 2027 Tinubu/Wike project.Ultimately, the motivations behind Tinubu’s decision remain unclear, and its implications for Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole are yet to be fully seen.
Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly opposed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and his suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State President Tinubu, in his national address, cited rising political tensions and recent acts of pipeline vandalism as justification for the emergency declaration.House of Assembly. President Tinubu, in his national address, cited rising political tensions and recent acts of pipeline vandalism as justification for the emergency declaration.
The NBA pointed to Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which governs the procedure for declaring a state of emergency. While this section grants the President emergency powers, it does not allow for the removal or suspension of elected officials. The NBA stressed that the only constitutional method for removing a governor or deputy governor is through impeachment as outlined in Section 188.
Furthermore, the removal of lawmakers must adhere to electoral laws and constitutional provisions insisted that a state of emergency does not equate to an automatic dissolution of an elected government, and any attempt to do so is an overreach of executive power.
Also Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it an “assault on democracy” that must be denounced in the strongest possible terms . Wazirin Adamawa argues that Tinubu’s administration is responsible for the chaos in Rivers State, either by enabling it or failing to prevent it. He emphasizes that the President should bear full responsibility for any compromise of federal infrastructure in the state, rather than punishing the people of Rivers State with a state of emergency.
Abubakar also accuses president Tinubu of being a partisan actor in the political turmoil in Rivers, and his refusal to prevent the escalation is seen as “disgraceful to the people of Rivers” The former Vice President believes that the destruction of national infrastructure in Rivers State is a direct result of the President’s failure to act, and punishing the people of Rivers State would be undemocratic.
In his statement, former vice president asserts that the declaration of a state of emergency “reeks of political manipulation and outright bad faith. He urges that the people of Rivers State should not be punished for the political gamesmanship between the governor and Tinubu’s enablers in the federal government. Other analyst believes that the situation in Rivers State, though politically tense, does not meet the constitutional threshold for the removal of elected officials.
For a state of emergency to be declared, Section 305(3) of the Constitution outlines specific conditions, including:
1. War or external aggression against Nigeria. Imminent danger of invasion or war. A breakdown of public order and safety to such an extent that ordinary legal measures are insufficient.
Other reasons for such decisions to be enforced are clear danger to Nigeria’s existence and Occurrence of any disaster or natural calamity affecting a state or a part of it. Where public danger constitutes a threat to the Federation.
Since the state of the emergency in Rivers state has been promulgation, political watchers questions whether the political crisis in Rivers State has reached the level of a complete breakdown of law that has warranting the removal of the Governor and his administration. Political disagreements, legislative conflicts, or executive-legislative tensions do not constitute a justification for emergency rule.
Had been the president remain filmed Such conflicts should have been resolved through legal and constitutional mechanisms, including the judiciary, rather than executive fiat.
A state of emergency is an extraordinary measure that must be invoked strictly within constitutional limits. The removal of elected officials under the pretext of emergency rule is unconstitutional and unacceptable.Tinubu’s administration decision to declare a state of emergency has been met with mixed reactions. Some argue that it was necessary to restore sanity to the state and ensure the country’s stability. Others,, believe that it was an unnecessary decision that could have dire economic and security implications for the state and Nigeria at large.
Was declaration for Rivers state is necessary or political motivation? President Bola Amed Tinubu is fully aware that the declaration of State of Emergency in a prevalent democratic system is not the solution to the self-inflicted crisis bedeviling the State.
What Tinubu needed most was to call Wike, his Minister of FCT, to order. The former governor Wike is the arrowhead of the crisis bedeviling the State.
Now what the president Tinubu decision for the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State was an unnecessary decision” that could have dire economic and security implications for the state and Nigeria at large.
Other views whether president decisions of keeping his ally, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, is worth jeopardizing Nigeria’s economy.The keen watcher of events regarded the decision as a display of unpardonable mediocrity and diabolic partisanship geared towards 2027.
Tinubu administration wants to use the excuse of the political instability and other security challenges in Rivers to remove Governor FUBURA from the POWER considered hostile to the minister of the Federal Capital Territory or TInubu/Wiki diabolic partisanship geared towards 2027 election.
During his speeches Mr. President, blaming only the state governor and House of Assembly for the crisis in Rivers State is like expecting one iron to make a loud sound – it’s unrealistic and ignores the roles of others, including the former governor and a cabinet member in your administration.
Let us not forget; The situation in Rivers state is indeed complex, with President Tinubu’s intervention aiming to restore order, but also raising important questions about the balance between federal intervention and state autonomy. Invoking a state of emergency to suspend elected officials is a drastic measure that may set a worrying precedent, especially if not handled carefully.
The appointment of a retired military officer as the state’s administrator also raises concerns about the militarization of a democratic government. This move may be perceived as an attempt to exert federal control over the state, rather than allowing democratic processes to unfold, the initial six-month period of emergency rule, with provisions for extension, could lead to prolonged federal control. This is why it’s essential to establish clear timelines and measurable objectives to ensure a timely return to democratic governance.
Some of the key concerns that need to be addressed include: The potential for abuse of power*: The suspension of elected officials and the appointment of a military administrator could be seen as an attempt to consolidate federal power.
– *The impact on democratic institutions*: The emergency rule could undermine the democratic institutions in Rivers state and set a precedent for future interventions.
– *The need for transparency and accountability*: The federal government must ensure that the emergency rule is transparent, accountable, and subject to regular review. Ultimately, finding a balance between restoring order and respecting democratic institutions is crucial. The federal government must tread carefully to avoid exacerbating the situation and ensure a peaceful resolution.
Dukawa public affairs commentator and can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com
By Emmanuel Agaji
On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu vividly and clearly displayed rare leadership qualities as he ended the unnecessary display of naked murder of democracy in Rivers State.
The president after several interventions to make a now former Governor Siminalayi Fubara to see reason had to use the big stick to trouble shoot the poor state of things in Rivers State.
He politely reminded Fubara of how he bulldozed a democratic structure (Rivers Assembly Complex) and 14 months after the structure remained untouched, the lawmakers were not paid one dime.
Quoting all the relevant portions of the Supreme Court verdict on Rivers headache, Tinubu had no choice than to do what most presidents consider a last option.
Giving Mr President a clearer view about what to do was the action of the militants last Monday night when they set a major pipeline on fire.
Barely 24hours after, precisely on Tuesday, another pipeline was punctured by same militants who had boasted to destroy oil installations immediately after Supreme Court verdict.
Asari Dokuboh a big beneficiary of Tinubu’s legacy for so many years was one of the first to threaten to demolish oil installations and even one strand of hair was not touched in his head.
Tinubu being a true democrat patiently watched as the events unfold as so many videos of hooded militants real or fake trended on social media networks threatening to turn Rivers into a massive inferno.
Mr President felt undaunted and kept his cool still watching the trend until Monday night that they touched his very sensitive nerve by destroying a major pipeline.
The so called leaders that Fubara swore an allegiance with continue to spur him that he has their backing.
Like a drunken sailor, Fubara followed his leaders and even after the Supreme Court verdicts that tied him from head to toe he continued to follow them sheepishly.
Last Tuesday, they met with Mr President and sought for an amicable resolution of the Fubara imbroglio but less than one week after oil installations were attacked.
The leaders instead of creating avenues for reconciliatory talks with the lawmakers and their well known leader stoked the fire to high heavens.
They called Nyesom Wike names that are unprintable and even sent a memo to Mr President all in a bid to discredit him.
These so called leaders were not there when Wike single handedly delivered their Ijaw brother instead he was tagged a hater of Ijaw Nation.
Wike’s polite response must have taken them unawares when he reminded them that if it’s true he hated the Ijaw people how come he made their son Fubara a governor?
Till date, even till tomorrow, the question is still begging for an answer as the leaders have no ready made answer to it till eternity.
The leaders gave him hope where there was no hope and led him into a bottomless pit.
Fubara was a nobody in Rivers politics, Wike made him somebody.
Clothed and bathed Fubara with hyssop to make him adorable, even his Ijaw kinsmen rejected him but against all odds Wike delivered him.
Wike never knew Fubara was a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Emmanuel Agaji, a public affairs analyst wrote from Port Harcourt in Rivers State.
By: Adamu Muhd Usman
“Success is not by our thinking, our wish, our personal opinion, or selfish aggrandisement. It is destined and accompanied by good attitudes of honesty, gratitude, commitment, perseverance, sacrifice, endurance, selflessness, and determination.
—– Sule Lamido
When elections are approaching, political activities hasten. There has been speculation that Sule Lamido of Jigawa State will defect from the PDP and join a new party. It appears the speculators based their thinking on PDP’s unexpected devastating defeat in the 2023 general election. However, many people see the defeat as an outcome of a referendum on the PDP’s mistakes and adamant or foolish behaviour of an ordinary Nigerian, rather than a rejection verdict on the PDP, thus the party is expected to bounce back.
This is expected to happen with the help of people like Sule Lamido and other party stalwarts. Nonetheless, with speculation rife, it’s pertinent to ask, will Sule Lamido lead a revolt to ditch the PDP and form a new party or join SDP as H.E. Malam Nasir El-Rufai calls for?
Knowing Lamido’s styles of leadership and political antecedents, notably his being and ardent disciple of late Mallam Aminu Kano of blessed memory one may without mincing words say that Sule Lamido will not leave PDP he helped to give birth to; nurtured and played a very prominent role in.
The above assertion is provided by the fact that Sule Lamido does not have a history of inconsistencies in his political career, and he is not a politician that takes decisions based on the desire to play to the gallery.
Furthermore, Lamido, being one of the founding fathers of the PDP and a man with well-established connections, with political friends and associates all over and who enjoys tremendous support across the country, is not likely going to ditch the PDP.
If Lamido wanted to leave the PDP, he could have done it with the G7 governors who defected to the All Progressive Congress (APC) in 2014/2015. And, Lamido could have been one of the most celebrated ‘defectors’ the APC would now be flaunting.
Some people have mistakenly interpreted the recent news story of the former Kaduna state governor, H.E. Malam Nasir El-Rufai, defecting from APC to SDP, whereby he called bigwigs, though he dares not to mention the name of Sule Lamido in his list or invitation because he knows perfectly well Lamido’s space to that regard is a no-go area. But Lamido has dispelled the rumours via the interview he granted with the British Broadcasting Cooperation (BBC) Hausa service.
Governor Lamido asserted, I have no intention to leave the party. We dey kampe for PDP; we dey shelele for PDP. PDP has honoured and dignified me, and I am not leaving it for tenants. I am from a home background while others are from mere house backgrounds. We are well-groomed right from our homes, and we will not leave the party for anyone, especially for anger.
This is not a time for a blame game; the PDP should all accept that they made mistakes and find ways to correct them in the future.”
What people should best expect from Sule Lamido is rebuilding, reorganising, re-energising, and remodelling the PDP into a strong opposition party for the ruling APC. For instance, Lamido is well experienced in the art of politicking and governance; he will for sure lead other PDP founding fathers and party adherents to rebrand the party. Those that were instrumental in destroying the fabric that makes the PDP a strong national party may sooner or later become inactive in the party because they do not have the party in their hearts. Only causing trouble in order to be relevant and satisfy their pocket.
Sule Lamido has unequivocally assured their teaming supporters, party followers, and other stakeholders that he has no plans to join another party, leave the PDP, or allow intruders and interlopers to take over the house they have laboured to build.
The big question is, what should they do to correct their mistakes and reengineer a new beginning for the PDP?
Firstly, political pundits strongly believe that Sule Lamido and his likes will make sure the PDP returns to its cherished initial status—accommodating all people across the nations, running on democratic ideals that allow dissent and contrary views, but moves in harmony and as a family.
Secondly, Lamido will work painstakingly to rebrand the PDP and restore its hitherto attractive national ‘face.’ The PDP is like a bee, with six legs; once one leg is removed, the party becomes handicapped, unattractive, and motionless. This is what the intruders’ and interlopers that besieged the party do not understand.
Thirdly, Lamido is an expert in persuasion, trust building, patiently listening to contrary views, and also a political guru.
These skills of Lamido will be highly useful in time to come in order to return the PDP to the foundation on which its founding fathers built it.
The PDP will not regain its position as a strong and nationally spread political party without having individuals who share the spirit of the founding fathers of the party, individuals who passionately believe in one of the preambles of its constitution: “To mobilise like-minded Nigerians under the leadership of the party to build a nation responsive to the aspirations of its people, able to satisfy the just hopes and aspirations of the Black people of the world, and to gain the confidence of the nations.”
Many of PDP’s followers trust that Sule Lamido will be one of the like-minded individuals that will lead the way in the reclamation of the PDP’s lost glory.
Dr. Sule Lamido (CON) will remain in the PDP. He had the opportunity to defect, but he did not because he believes that defection is not the best way to develop and entrench democracy.
Whatever you see today is designed by God. It is not compulsory to be on the winning side always. One can see the spirit of patience and willingness to accept the will of the people in the duo of Lamido. Many Nigerians are expecting the duo to lead in the rebirth of the PDP, rather than ditching it.
Remember, Lamido is a party Founding Father, one of the original stoics who defied the brutal military dictatorship and formed a patriotic group of committed democrats that later formed the nucleus of the PDP.
Sule Lamido is among the nine people (G9) who formed the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 1998 along with Senator Iyorchia Ayu, Professor Jerry Gana, the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme, the late Mallam Adamu Ciroma, the late Chief Solomon Lar, the late Chief Bola Ige, the late Senator Ella, and the late Alhaji Abubakar Rimi. They confronted former Head of State, the late General Sani Abacha, on the need to quit the office and allow democracy to prosper.
Lamido and Rimi were picked and locked up in DSS cells, Rimi in Ilorin and Lamido in Maiduguri. They were only released after the sudden demise of Abacha.
Lamido, Jerry Gana, and Iyorchia Ayu are the lone PDP founding fathers still alive and on the landscape in politics and PDP.
Lamido has been consistent in PDP. He displays his sagacity in full force. He also deployed his unmatched energy and political skills in campaigning for PDP candidates from the top to the bottom from 1999 to date.
He has a history of radically confronting the military junta of Abacha for the sake of restoring democracy (PDP) to Nigeria, and he was sent to jail several times during the PRP days and the military era.
Lamido was imprisoned for his emancipation of the masses. Some of these things will give him an edge and advantage over other compatriots on the corridor of Nigerian politics and the PDP.
Lamido’s almost five decades of experience in the rough terrain of Nigerian politics is being brought to bear in this election cycle. He is so often in the news for a combination of reasons, including his imposing physical presence, his simple style of doing things, and his solid records of commitment, loyalty, achievements, consistency, and sacrifice, etc., to PDP since its creation in 1998 to date.
Sule Lamido is one of the most experienced politicians in Nigeria and is arguably the most successful governor in Nigeria since 1999 to date. Before then, he was a former unionist (PRP national youth leader), Social Democratic Party (SDP) national secretary, the party that made the late chief abiola to win as a president in the most freest, fairest, credible and peaceful election in Nigeria, a parliamentarian, and a former diplomat (minister). He has made a lot of sacrifices for this country, Nigeria. His contributions have reunited and reawakened Nigeria, and as far as politics is concerned, Lamido is one person you cannot bury or shove away.
Sule Lamido always says his mind, which in all cases aligns with the interests of the common man. He never succumbs to sentiments. He was never accused of bigotry or nepotism. He is a nationalist, liberal.
May Allah continue to prolong and preserve your life’s span. Lamido will keep working for Nigeria for the rest of his life to be peaceful, efficient, united, progressive, and great (excel).
May Nigeria rise again and work positively well. 2027 is a testing year for Nigeria. May God see us through and make it easy for us.
Adamu writes from Kafin-Hausa, Jigawa State.
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