…Warns of democratic collapse
Former governor of Jigawa State and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sule Lamiɗo, has issued a stark warning about the state of Nigeria’s democracy, declaring that the collapse of the PDP could lead to the emergence of an “emperor” as president—ushering in autocratic rule.
Speaking during an appearance on a television programme yesterday, Lamiɗo emphasised the PDP’s role as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999. He argued that without a strong opposition, democratic checks and balances would fail, potentially leading to unchecked executive power.
“If the PDP collapses, Nigeria will collapse”, Lamiɗo stated. “Where there is no opposition, then there will be an emperor. All emperors are destroyed by their greed”.
He credited the PDP with restoring civilian rule in 1999, laying the groundwork that allowed leaders from other parties – such as former President Muhammadu Buhari and current President Bola Tinubu – to rise to power. “More than anybody, Tinubu needs the PDP to be chasing him, to keep him on his toes”, Lamiɗo added, insisting that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could not self-regulate without a vibrant opposition.
Despite reaffirming his commitment to the PDP, Lamiɗo expressed strong dissatisfaction with the party’s internal leadership. He announced that he would boycott all party meetings until key figures such as former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom are expelled.
“People openly working against the PDP are still being tolerated,” he further said, in a separate interview with journalists. “Someone like Wike, who claims to love the PDP but is clearly undermining it, should be expelled by the NWC. Why hasn’t that happened?”
Lamiɗo was also critical of Ortom’s continued membership in the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BOT), citing the former governor’s support for Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi during the 2023 elections. “How can I sit with someone like Ortom in the BOT to discuss the future of PDP?” he questioned. “I remain a PDP member, but I will not participate in party functions or answer calls to meetings while these individuals remain in leadership.”
His remarks come amid a rapidly evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. Internal conflicts in the PDP, Labour Party, and even discontent within the APC have led to growing interest in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and other alternative platforms.
On March 20, 2025, a significant coalition of opposition leaders – including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir el-Rufa’i – announced plans to unite in a bid to defeat President Tinubu in the next election. The alliance hopes to capitalise on the combined 12 million votes garnered by Atiku and Obi in 2023, which outnumbered Tinubu’s declared total by over four million.
