
Lamido’s Dire Prediction: ‘No PDP Means Imperial Presidency’
Former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido has warned that Nigeria risks breeding an “emperor president” if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) collapses, arguing that the opposition’s survival is critical to preserving democracy. In a fiery interview on Channels TV’s Political Paradigm, Lamido framed the PDP’s fate as inseparable from Nigeria’s democratic legacy.
Why PDP’s Survival Matters
Lamido, a founding PDP member, declared:
“If PDP collapses, Nigeria collapses. No opposition means an emperor emerges—destroyed by greed. PDP is Nigeria’s history since 1999.”
Key arguments:
- Democracy’s Foundation: PDP restored civilian rule in 1999, enabling APC’s Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu to later lead.
- Checks & Balances: “Tinubu needs PDP chasing him. Without us, he’ll chase himself into tyranny.”
- Historical Legacy: PDP’s 16-year reign built institutions now eroded by APC’s policies.
2027 Elections: Opposition Coalitions Emerge
With the PDP and Labour Party (LP) weakened by internal crises, politicians are flocking to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and forming alliances:
- Atiku-Obi-El-Rufai Pact: The March 2025 coalition unites PDP’s Atiku Abubakar, LP’s Peter Obi, and ex-APC heavyweight Nasir El-Rufai against Tinubu.
- 2023 Vote Strength: Atiku (6.9M) + Obi (6.1M) outpolled Tinubu’s 8.7M—a combined 13M opposition base.
- SDP’s Rise: Seen as a “special purpose vehicle” for defectors from APC, PDP, and LP.
Lamido’s Warning: ‘Emperor’ Scenario
The septuagenarian outlined risks of a one-party state:
- No Accountability: Tinubu’s policies (inflation: 33.7%, subsidy cuts) would face zero scrutiny.
- History Erased: PDP’s role in stabilizing Nigeria’s Fourth Republic would be forgotten.
- APC Entrenchment: Ruling party’s “sole candidate” endorsement of Tinubu signals authoritarian drift.
“Emperors fall from greed. Nigeria must avoid this,” Lamido stressed.
Stakeholders React: Unity or Bust?
- PDP Loyalists: Back Lamido’s stance, urge party reforms to retain relevance.
- Coalition Optimists: Atiku-Obi alliance could mobilize 13M+ voters—if trust is rebuilt.
- APC Dismissal: Tinubu’s camp calls Lamido “yesterday’s man,” citing PDP’s corruption legacy.
Join the Debate!
Is the PDP indispensable to Nigerian democracy, or can new coalitions fill the void? Share your views!
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Why This Matters:
With 65% of Nigerians citing “no viable opposition” as a threat to democracy (NOIPolls 2025), Lamido’s warning underscores high stakes for 2027. The PDP’s survival—or replacement—could define Nigeria’s governance for decades.
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