By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse
The 2023 gubernatorial candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Malam Aminu Ibrahim Ringim, has responded to controversial claims made by former Governor Sule Lamido in his newly launched autobiography.
The book, which recounts Lamido’s personal and political journey, contains scathing remarks about Ringim, including bizarre allegations of witchcraft, diabolical manipulation, and supposed reasons for electoral defeats.
The political feud, once thought to have subsided, has now been reignited with strong reactions from Ringim, who accused the former governor of spreading falsehoods, distorting history, and sabotaging the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
At a gathering in Taura Local Government Area, Malam Ringim expressed disappointment over what he described as Lamido’s “deliberate distortion of truth,” especially the claims that he practiced sorcery to influence Lamido during their time in government.
In the autobiography, Mr Lamido alleged that he was warned by a political associate, Salisu Kanya, to be cautious of Ringim, whom he claimed was involved in “magical practices.”
The former governor narrated that Ringim allegedly buried a black donkey within the Government House premises in a supposed act of witchcraft aimed at controlling him.
Lamido claimed that although he was not intimidated by the rumours, he ordered an audit of the state’s finances to ensure no misappropriation had occurred. When no funds were found missing, he reportedly told Ringim: “Go on with your wizardry.”
In his response, Ringim dismissed the allegations as not only false but deeply offensive.
Addressing the insinuation that he is of foreign descent, Ringim gave a detailed clarification of his family background.
“I am a son of Bagon Madawakai in Ringim, my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather are all from there just two kilometres away from Ringim town. My father, Malam Ibrahim, later relocated to Ringim and became the ward head of Marakawa Quarters and a respected elder. My mother hails from Danbatta in Kano State,” he said.
He explained that he only lived in Niger Republic as a child following his parents’ divorce.
“Yes, I lived in Niger Republic for five years, but that was after my parents separated. My mother remarried in Dansure, and her new husband, an Islamic scholar, travelled with her to Matamaye in Niger Republic. Naturally, as a child, I went with her. It was not because we were from there,” Ringim clarified.
He added that the claims were not only hurtful but part of a broader agenda to tarnish his image and alienate him from his political base.
Perhaps more damning were Lamido’s allegations that Ringim lost the 2015 and 2019 gubernatorial elections which he contested under the PDP due to his “bad records” and issues with political associates.
“He accused me of losing the elections because of my ‘bad record’ and problems with my political friends. That confirmed to me that he intentionally worked against us,” Ringim alleged.
He claimed that Lamido deliberately sowed discord between him and key political allies, thereby weakening his support base.
He cited the example of Ambassador Ibrahim Musa Kazaure, who reportedly refused to support his candidacy due to unmet financial demands allegedly made by Lamido on Kazaure’s behalf demands Ringim said he was never informed of.
Throughout his remarks, Ringim spoke of a complicated relationship with the former governor, under whom he served as a close political ally.
Despite what he described as repeated betrayals, Ringim said he remained loyal and protected Lamido’s image for the sake of peace.
“I covered up so much for him and took the blame so he could enjoy peace. But now I see things clearly.
“They told me clearly—‘Leave Lamido or we will leave you.’ And because of my respect for him, I let them go,” Ringim added.
