Former Jigawa State governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) founding father, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has announced his intention to remain a member of the PDP while actively supporting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition in the 2027 general elections.
Lamido revealed he will adopt a political approach similar to that of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, who, despite being a PDP member, works within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
Two weeks prior, Lamido joined other senior PDP leaders at a meeting in Abuja where they collectively decided to affiliate with the ADC. This meeting set the stage for the official unveiling of the ADC as the opposition coalition platform aiming to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the APC in 2027.
While some PDP figures aligned with Wike have declared support for Tinubu’s re-election, Lamido emphasized his focus will be on backing the right candidate rather than merely following party lines. Speaking to BBC Hausa, he expressed concern over the prevalent factionalism and internal divisions plaguing Nigerian political parties, which he described as challenges requiring urgent and critical attention.
Lamido attributed PDP’s woes to internal hypocrisy and selfishness but asserted his commitment to staying within the party to help restore its integrity and effectiveness. His ultimate goal, he stated, is societal emancipation through strategic political engagement—remaining in PDP while supporting the ADC coalition’s broader mission.
This stance reflects a growing trend of political pragmatism among Nigerian leaders, exemplified by Wike’s role in the APC-led government despite his PDP membership. Wike’s participation was sanctioned by PDP’s relevant organs as a national service, underscoring a flexible approach to party allegiance in Nigeria’s complex political landscape.
The ADC coalition, officially adopted as the opposition platform in early July 2025, includes prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark. It represents a concerted effort to unify opposition forces to challenge the APC’s dominance, which has been in power since 2015. The coalition aims to offer Nigerians a credible alternative, capitalizing on widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration’s economic and governance record.
As the 2027 elections approach, the political dynamics within and between parties like PDP, APC, and ADC will be crucial in shaping Nigeria’s future governance. Lamido’s dual commitment highlights the fluidity and complexity of these alliances in the country’s evolving democratic process.
