Nigeria Will Breed Emperor as President If PDP Collapses – Sule Lamido

 Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido warned that the collapse of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could lead to Nigeria breeding an “emperor” as president, threatening the country’s democratic system.

Speaking at a political rally in Dutse, Lamido, a PDP stalwart, argued that the party’s role as the main opposition is critical to checking the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and preventing authoritarianism. He expressed concern over the PDP’s internal crises, including factionalism and defections, which he said weaken its ability to hold the government accountable.

Lamido’s remarks come amid heightened tensions within the PDP, particularly following the sealing of its Abuja secretariat by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) over unpaid ground rent and the party’s struggles to resolve leadership disputes. He criticized FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, a PDP member, for overseeing the secretariat’s closure, calling for his expulsion from the party for alleged anti-party activities. Lamido warned that without a strong opposition, Nigeria risks sliding into a one-party state, where unchecked power could lead to governance resembling imperial rule. He urged PDP members to unite and rebuild the party to provide a viable alternative in the 2027 elections.

The statement has resonated with political analysts, who see it as a call to action for opposition parties to counter the APC’s dominance. However, critics argue that Lamido’s warning overlooks the PDP’s own governance failures during its 16-year rule from 1999 to 2015. The comments have also fueled discussions about Nigeria’s democratic resilience, with some stakeholders advocating for electoral reforms to strengthen multi-party competition. Lamido’s intervention highlights the precarious state of opposition politics in Nigeria and the urgent need for the PDP to resolve its internal challenges to remain relevant.