Despite N1.3bn fraud allegation, Sule Lamido’s son wins PDP’s governorship ticket

Mustapha Lamido, son of former governor of Jigawa, Sule Lamido, emerged as the governorship candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the primary election conducted on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 in Dutse, the Jigawa state capital and defeated his challenger, Sale Shehu, a former Works Minister of State.

According to reports, Mustapha defeated Sale by 829 to zero votes. Three votes were invalid.

The head of the election committee, Isah Ahmad, congratulated the winner, and party delegates on a successful primary. He said the election was peaceful, free and fair.

Meanwhile, in his acceptance speech, Mr Lamido said: “I most sincerely accept this nomination with humility, modesty and determination”.

He described the congress as ‘historic’, saying that majority of the PDP candidates in the state are younger than candidates in the previous election.

He as well pledged to run an inclusive government if elected governor.

Lamido’s statement party reads; “As we move to the next stage of campaign and elections, I ask you to trust me, work with me, campaign with me and vote for me so that we can make the state great again. And I can on you to come out massively to vote for PDP.

“I urge all of us to avoid politics of division and disunity. The interest of the state is far and above any personal or sectional interest.

“To our traditional rulers and elders, I have great respect for them and will consult them regularly on issues that will assist in moving the state forward. I pledge to campaign peacefully, but vigorously, I therefore as for your support and prayers,” he said.

The former governor son’s emergence as a governorship candidate is coming amidst allegation of 1.3bn fraud by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commision (EFCC), which involved his father and his brother, Aminu Lamido.

The EFCC in 2013, arraigned Sule Lamido, alongside two of his sons; Aminu and Mustapha, for defrauding Jigawa state under a company named Bamaina Holdings Ltd and Speeds International Ltd.

They were granted bail in 2015 but were again arraigned in 2022, for same offence which is very much alive in court as no pronouncement has been made to clear their names of the corrupt charges.