Former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, has launched a scathing attack on the federal government, accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of weaponising state institutions to stifle democracy.

Lamido made the remarks during an interactive session with journalists in Kano where he was questioned about his political position ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Lamido alleged that institutions like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were being used to hound opposition figures into submission.

?As an example, take Okowa. He was PDP?s vice-presidential candidate. Suddenly, he?s facing charges of N1.3 trillion. Then he joins APC and just like that, no EFCC, no case. Everything is buried,? he said.

Lamido argued that this trend had validated Senator Adams Oshiomhole?s infamous comment: ?Once you join APC, your sins are forgiven.

Oshiomhole has severally denied.makijg the comment, accusing his political rivals of using it for mischief.

However, Lamido warned that the manipulation of institutions and abuse of state power are corroding Nigeria?s democratic foundations, causing insecurity, distrust, and national disunity.

?Today, Nigeria is not the country it was 25 years ago. There is no security, no stability, no trust. You can?t have a united country when its components are at odds with each other,? he said, blaming Tinubu?s administration for using divide-and-rule tactics.

On 2027 coalitions, Lamido said unlike the structured alliance of 2014 that birthed the All Progressives Congress (APC), today?s efforts were individual-driven and lack institutional cohesion.

?What we had in 2014 was a coalition of organs ? CPC, CAN, ANPP, and PDP defectors. Today?s so-called coalition is a gathering of individuals, no institutional foundation, no clear parameters,? Lamido said.

He maintained that any coalition aimed at unseating the ruling party must be built on solid ideals ? democracy, unity, stability, security, and prosperity and not ambition, revenge, or vendettas.

Despite deep internal challenges within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Lamido reaffirmed his commitment to the party.

?I remain in PDP. I was made, jailed, harassed, and nearly killed because of PDP. I will not renounce my history, my legacy, my heritage. But I will support any arrangement, within PDP or outside PDP, for a secure Nigeria in 2027,? he declared.

On accusations of anti-party activity, Lamido was defiant.

?If I am fighting for PDP to return to its ideals, how is that anti-party? I was called anti-party in 2023, but what of 2014 when PDP governors defected to form APC? Was that not a mega anti-party action?? he asked rhetorically.

He lamented the hypocrisy within PDP ranks, where sitting PDP governors and prominent stakeholders are openly supporting President Tinubu without consequence.

?There are governors and ministers claiming PDP but working for Tinubu. You?re calling me anti-party? Then I will do anti-party to build Nigeria not to destroy it,? he fired.

Lamido insisted the PDP must return to its founding principles ? transparency, fairness, and internal democracy to reclaim national relevance.

?The party lacks the courage to do what is right. If the PDP does the right thing, it can come back stronger. But not with double-dealing leaders,? he said, referencing unresolved issues like the lingering controversy over the party?s national secretaryship.

He also rejected the notion that the current political turmoil is rooted solely in individual ambitions.

?This is not about personalities. It?s about Nigeria, our country is collapsing. The poverty, insecurity, and hunger are real,? he said.

On calls for additional states through constitutional amendments, Lamido said the agitation was legitimate but poorly timed.

?There are more pressing issues than creating states ? security, hunger, disunity, and poverty. Let?s fix those first,? he advised.

When asked to comment on NNPP leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso?s recent visit to President Tinubu, Lamido refused to speculate.

?Kwankwaso and Tinubu have the right to meet. Don?t read motives into it. I?m not here to speak for him. Go ask him,? he replied.

Throughout the session, Lamido maintained that Nigeria?s redemption lies in reviving political accountability, upholding democratic values, and restoring trust in public institutions.

?I am PDP in flesh, blood, bone, and soul. But if the only way to save Nigeria is outside PDP, I will still do it ? because Nigeria must come first,? he concluded. (Daily Trust)

Update news