Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has firmly rejected an appeal by Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, for opposition leaders to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
El-Rufai, who recently left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the SDP, made the call in a BBC Hausa interview, inviting prominent figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola to join him. While El-Rufai did not directly name Lamido, his remarks prompted a strong response.
In a separate BBC Hausa interview on March 16, 2025, Lamido criticized El-Rufai's invitation as disrespectful. He underscored the foundational role of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in shaping El-Rufai’s political career, stating that the PDP was instrumental in his rise.
Lamido dismissed the idea of leaving the PDP, emphasizing his loyalty to the party and its values. He argued that if he had ever intended to leave the PDP, he would have done so during the formation of the APC in 2014.
Lamido also questioned El-Rufai’s motives for leaving the APC and joining the SDP. He criticized what he described as a lack of patience and vision in El-Rufai’s leadership style, asserting that true leadership requires prioritizing peace and national unity over personal grievances or ambition.
He urged El-Rufai to adopt a more patriotic approach to politics rather than displaying hostility toward others.
Reaffirming his commitment to rebuilding the PDP after its loss in the 2015 presidential election, Lamido expressed confidence in the party’s future. He concluded by emphasizing that patriotism and constructive leadership should guide political decisions rather than opportunistic moves between parties.
