Mustapha Sule Lamido, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) sole governorship aspirant from Jigawa State, cleared the party’s screening exercise in Abuja on Thursday, positioning him as the PDP’s flag‑bearer for the next state election. The screening, a prerequisite for the party’s primary slated for May 21, found Lamido met all eligibility criteria, leaving him unopposed in the PDP’s internal contest.
In remarks following the screening, Lamido said his bid is driven by a desire to rejuvenate Jigawa’s political landscape and to address the everyday concerns of its citizens. He warned that a growing trend of defections across party lines reflects a lack of ideological commitment among some politicians, a development he believes undermines democratic stability.
Lamido, a former minister, highlighted the enthusiasm of Nigeria’s younger generation, describing them as “determined to transform the country’s political system through purposeful leadership and dedication.” He praised the PDP as the only opposition party with a coherent ideological foundation capable of delivering on the aspirations of ordinary Nigerians.
Referencing the PDP’s performance in the most recent general election, Lamido noted the party secured more than 400,000 votes nationwide and expressed confidence that the party could improve on that tally in the upcoming polls. He positioned the PDP as a credible alternative to the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC) governor, Umar Namadi, whom he intends to challenge in the forthcoming election cycle.
The clearance marks a significant step for the PDP in Jigawa, where the party has struggled to maintain a strong foothold. Lamido’s unopposed status may allow the PDP to consolidate resources and focus on broader constituency outreach ahead of the primary. Observers note that his experience and emphasis on youth engagement could reshape the party’s campaign dynamics in a state traditionally dominated by the APC.
As the PDP prepares for its May primary, the party’s internal cohesion and Lamido’s ability to galvanize support will be critical factors influencing the competitiveness of the eventual election. The outcome will be watched closely by national political analysts, given the role Jigawa plays in the broader balance of power between Nigeria’s two major parties.
