The response from former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido to Nasir El-Rufai’s invitation to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) highlights a significant political divide in Nigeria’s opposition landscape. Lamido’s rejection of El-Rufai’s offer, calling it an “insult,” underscores the complex dynamics within Nigerian politics, particularly concerning political loyalties and motivations.
Lamido’s statement is significant in that he emphasizes the role of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in shaping El-Rufai’s political career, describing the party as the one that “gave birth” to him. This indicates Lamido’s strong belief in the PDP’s role in Nigerian politics and his deep loyalty to the party. By rejecting El-Rufai’s call, Lamido not only reaffirms his commitment to the PDP but also casts doubt on El-Rufai’s current political maneuvering, questioning the motivations behind his recent defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the SDP.
El-Rufai’s invitation to opposition leaders, including figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, suggests that he is attempting to reshape the political opposition in Nigeria. However, Lamido’s rejection of the offer—coupled with his criticisms of El-Rufai’s leadership style—reveals that there are significant divisions within the opposition regarding strategy and ideology. Lamido’s comments also raise questions about whether El-Rufai’s shift to the SDP is a calculated attempt to position himself as a unifying figure for the opposition, or if it’s a more personal political move that may alienate other key figures within Nigerian politics.
This exchange reflects broader debates within Nigerian political circles about the future direction of the opposition parties. It’s clear that while some figures like El-Rufai are seeking new political alliances and realignments, others like Lamido are holding firm to the foundations of their long-established party loyalty.
What’s your take on this situation? Do you think El-Rufai’s move to the SDP could reshape Nigeria’s political opposition, or do you see Lamido’s loyalty to the PDP as a stronger force in the long run?