Sule Lamido Denies Reports of Invitation toJoin Ruling APC
Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has directly denied media reports suggesting he was invited by President Bola Tinubu or All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders to defect from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Speaking at his residence during Eid al-Fitr visits, Lamido described the speculation as unfounded.
Lamido, a senior PDP figure and former presidential candidate, stated he had received no such overtures. “When was I invited? Let me know, please. Did he send you to me? Iām hearing this from you for the first time,” he said in response to a reporter’s question. His comments address persistent rumors within Nigerian political circles about potential high-level defections to the governing APC.
He also dismissed separate online reports linking him to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), attributing them to misinformation common on social media platforms. “In this era of social media and content creation, anything is possible. People sit in their rooms and create stories,” Lamido remarked, adding he had not seen any credible evidence supporting such claims.
Despite ruling out any immediate party switch, Lamido indicated a willingness to engage with the presidency on national issues. He stated he would meet President Tinubu if an opportunity arose, framing such dialogue as being in Nigeria’s national interest rather than a partisan maneuver. “Such a meeting would be in national interest rather than for partisan reasons,” he clarified.
The conversation turned to Nigeria’s democratic process, with Lamido urging voters to take responsibility for electoral outcomes. He referenced the 2023 general election, noting that leadership reflects collective voter choices. “When we were campaigning, we urged Nigerians to vote right, with integrity and conscience. People voted, and whatever you put in is what you get out,” he stated, emphasizing voter accountability.
Lamido concluded by extending Eid al-Fitr greetings to Nigerian Muslims and calling for continued prayers for the nation’s peace, unity, and stability.
His denial comes amid ongoing political permutations ahead of future elections, where defections often influence party strength. Analysts note that while Lamido remains aligned with the PDP, his openness to cross-party dialogue signals a focus on national discourse over strict partisanship. The episode underscores the prevalence of speculation in Nigeria’s political media landscape and the continued influence of veteran figures like Lamido in shaping public debate.
