Lamido Accuses Tinubu of Using State Power to Weaken Opposition, Rejects New Coalition Talks

Former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has accused President Bola Tinubu of using the instruments of state to intimidate and coerce opposition politicians into joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking with journalists in Kano on Tuesday, Lamido alleged that President Tinubu’s administration is engaged in “imperial acts” designed to erode Nigeria’s democratic foundation and force political realignments.

“Today, Tinubu is using state institutions to crush the opposition through intimidation, blackmail, harassment, and government patronage,” Lamido claimed.

“A clear example is Ifeanyi Okowa, the PDP vice presidential candidate in 2023, who was suddenly slammed with charges of ₦1.3 trillion by the EFCC. Once he aligned with the APC, those charges vanished.”

He likened the situation to a previous remark by APC chieftain Adams Oshiomhole, who reportedly said that any wrongdoing would be forgiven once a politician joins the ruling party.

Lamido warned that the current administration’s actions pose a serious threat to democracy, stability, and national unity. He said the country is experiencing a breakdown of mutual trust among its regions and that the government is fuelling disunity for political gains.

“There is a deliberate effort to divide the North Central from the rest of the North, and to create political tension between the South East and South South. This country no longer operates as a united federation with mutual respect,” he stated.

He described President Tinubu as behaving like a political “emperor,” using power arbitrarily to determine the fate of political figures.

“This has left the political class in panic. People are asking what next, and that has sparked conversations about forming a coalition. But unlike the organic coalition of 2014 — which brought together institutions like the CPC, ACN, and ANPP — today’s efforts are merely gatherings of individuals.”

Lamido dismissed the current coalition talks involving prominent figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai, saying they lack institutional backing and a unifying ideology.

“For me, a genuine coalition must define its purpose: democracy, unity, security, and economic stability. It cannot be based on personal ambition or revenge,” he said.

The former governor reaffirmed his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite the internal challenges it faces.

“I remain PDP. I was made a minister and governor by the PDP. I was harassed, detained, and nearly destroyed for remaining loyal to the party. I cannot discard my legacy or take on a new political identity,” he added.

Lamido concluded by expressing readiness to support any initiative led by or rooted within the PDP to secure Nigeria’s future in 2027 — but ruled out any collaboration with President Tinubu or the APC.