The former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has made a striking claim about the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to him, the APC is essentially an offshoot of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Lamido made this assertion during the PDP's 2026 National Convention in Abuja.
The former governor pointed out that most top figures in the APC, except President Bola Tinubu, have their roots in the PDP. He emphasized that the APC's deep roots in the PDP's legacy are a testament to the ruling party's origins. Lamido appealed to aggrieved members and defectors to put aside their individual interests for the sake of Nigeria's democracy.
He argued that the PDP remains the only credible alternative for the country. Lamido urged those who left the party to return, citing the PDP's willingness to forgive and forget. He stressed that the party's unity is not about individual interests but about Nigerian ownership.
A PDP chieftain, Umar Sani, countered Lamido's claims, stating that he was not allowed to participate in the Ibadan National Convention due to procedural issues. Sani claimed that Lamido showed interest in contesting the party's national chairmanship on the last day of form submission and even bought the form from Wadata House instead of the Legacy House.
The PDP's claim that the APC has its roots in the opposition party raises serious questions about the legitimacy of the ruling party. Sule Lamido's assertion that most APC figures, except President Tinubu, have their roots in the PDP, highlights the APC's deep-seated connections to the opposition party. This revelation has significant implications for Nigeria's democracy, particularly in the context of the PDP's continued relevance as a credible alternative. The fact that Lamido was barred from participating in the PDP's National Convention due to procedural issues further underscores the party's internal power struggles. As the PDP seeks to reassert its dominance, it remains to be seen whether the party can overcome its internal divisions and present a united front to the nation.
