Despite friendship, I’ll oppose Tinubu in 2027 – Lamido

Former Jigawa State governor and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sule Lamido, has declared that his long-standing personal relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not stop him from opposing the president’s re-election bid in 2027.

Lamido, speaking in an interview with the BBC, said political rivalry and friendship are separate issues, stressing that he remains committed to strengthening opposition unity in Nigeria.

His remarks follow public reactions to his recent warm exchange with Tinubu during the wedding of former Zamfara governor Abdulaziz Yari’s son in Kaduna. Both men were seen laughing and chatting, sparking speculation about their political alignment.

Lamido clarified that his camaraderie with Tinubu was not unusual, noting that they had known each other for decades, dating back to their days in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 1990s.

“Tinubu and I know each other very well. But that does not mean we will not fight politically. My friendship with him will not stop me from working against him in 2027,” Lamido said.

He also recalled his long association with former vice president Atiku Abubakar, who recently defected from the PDP to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“Atiku and I formed the PDP. When he was Vice President, I was Minister of Foreign Affairs. What is wrong if Nigerians come together to discuss the state of their country?” he asked.

Lamido has been one of the PDP’s most consistent critics of the ruling APC since the Muhammadu Buhari era, insisting that the opposition must remain focused on offering Nigerians an alternative in 2027.