Former Jigawa State Governor and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sule Lamido, has issued a stark warning about the state of Nigeria’s democracy, asserting that the collapse of the PDP could lead to authoritarian rule.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm on Tuesday, Lamido described the PDP as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s democratic framework. According to him, without a viable opposition party like the PDP, the country risks falling under the grip of a single, unchecked ruler.
“If the PDP collapses, Nigeria will collapse,” Lamido declared. “Where there is no opposition, then there will be an emperor. When the party collapses, then you have an emperor all over Nigeria—and all emperors are destroyed by their greed.”
Lamido emphasized the role the PDP has played in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape since the return to democracy in 1999. He credited the party for restoring civilian rule and laying the groundwork that allowed former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari and incumbent President Bola Tinubu—both of the All Progressives Congress (APC)—to assume power.
“The PDP is Nigeria’s history in the last 25 years. If the party collapses, it is Nigeria’s history that collapses,” he stated.
The former foreign affairs minister further argued that President Tinubu, more than anyone, stands to benefit from a strong opposition.
“More than anybody, Tinubu needs the PDP to be chasing him, to be on his toes. But when it collapses, nobody will be chasing him; he will be chasing himself,” he said.
Lamido’s remarks underscore ongoing concerns about the health of Nigeria’s democracy and the role of opposition parties in maintaining a balanced political system.
Comments