Removing Tinubu should serve national interest, not personal vendettas — Sule Lamido blasts El-Rufai
Former Governor of Jigawa State and prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Sule Lamido, has criticised former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, stating that any move to remove President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be driven by the national interest rather than personal grievances.
Lamido made this remark in response to El-Rufai’s appeal for opposition figures to abandon their parties and join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
El-Rufai, who recently announced his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to SDP, had urged key opposition leaders—including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola—to rally behind his new political platform.
In an interview with BBC, Lamido dismissed El-Rufai’s proposal, questioning his political philosophy and his dedication to the country’s progress.
“With all due respect, how does he expect those of us in PDP to abandon our party and join another? The PDP we built is the same party that shaped him into what he is today. How can a grandson claim his grandfather knows nothing?” Lamido remarked.
He recalled that El-Rufai once disregarded Nigeria’s political elders, asserting that he and his associates were the real power brokers.
“But now, he claims he advised Buhari. If he truly had the influence he once boasted of, why did he need Buhari’s guidance?” Lamido questioned.
The former governor reaffirmed his commitment to PDP, noting that despite its internal struggles, it remains his political home.
“If PDP is facing difficulties today, it is still the party that nurtured El-Rufai. If he claims PDP is finished, he must remember that it provided the foundation for his political career. Everything he has accomplished stems from PDP.”
Lamido argued that had he wanted to leave the party, he would have done so in 2014 when APC was formed.
“If I refused to join APC in 2014 when they invited me, and they left PDP in frustration, why are they now abandoning APC? What has changed?” he asked.
He emphasised that governance should not be dictated by emotions or personal vendettas.
“Leadership demands patience, vision, and a commitment to the nation’s stability. If emotions control your decisions, you will never govern with objectivity.”
Lamido stressed that any attempt to unseat Tinubu should be rooted in the country’s welfare rather than personal grievances.
“We should not oppose Tinubu simply out of resentment or revenge. Leadership should prioritise the nation’s well-being above personal conflicts.”
He concluded by urging politicians to channel their efforts into strengthening the country rather than allowing bitterness to influence their decisions.
