Lamido Reaffirms Loyalty To PDP, Declares Jigawa Party Stronghold Ahead of 2027

Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring the party remains strong and deeply rooted in Jigawa despite ongoing political realignments across the country.

Speaking during a weekend interview with journalists at his residence in Dutse , Jigawa state, Lamido dismissed concerns about the PDP’s future, insisting that internal challenges and defections are not enough to weaken the party’s foundation.

“Yes, it is true there are problems in PDP, but it is my party,my home,” he said. “If my house is leaking, I will not abandon it and go and rent a small house somewhere else.”

The former governor used the analogy to criticise politicians defecting to other platforms, describing such moves as lacking ideological conviction and political depth.

“I am not going to any political house owned by somebody else. I am from a political home,” he added.

Reacting to the emergence of alternative platforms such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Lamido questioned the moral basis of recent defections, noting that many of those joining new parties were originally PDP members.

“Those who went to ADC were originally in PDP,they left their home. Morally, is it right to go and take over another party from its owners?” he asked.

He further argued that frequent defections reflect a lack of political independence.
“They left because they have no capacity to stand on their own and build something fresh,” he said.

Lamido also downplayed claims that Nyesom Wike is the national leader of the PDP, noting that leadership perceptions often differ within political parties.
“People are free to believe who their leader is. Even within parties, some believe in certain leaders, others do not,” he stated.

Jigawa PDP Holds Ground
Political developments in Jigawa appear to reinforce Lamido’s position, with stakeholders pointing to the PDP’s entrenched grassroots structure and sustained electoral relevance in the state.

Observers describe Jigawa as one of the PDP’s strongest northern bases, citing its enduring institutional presence across the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assembly.

“PDP has structure in the state,people naturally fall back on that structure,” a stakeholder said.

Recent developments within the All Progressives Congress (APC) have further strengthened this narrative, with reports of internal discontent and a wave of resignations by key figures in the state chapter.

Sources indicate that several APC stalwarts,including Bala Usman Chamo, Muhammed Sabo Yankoli, Hon. Jamilu Uwais Xaki, Alhaji Auwal Sasani, Aminu Salle Illalla, and Hassan Musa Namadeena,have recently stepped down from their positions, signaling growing dissatisfaction within the ruling party.

“They have not joined yet, but they have all resigned. The only alternative they see is PDP,” a party insider said.

Analysts say the trend reflects weakening cohesion within the APC and a potential shift in political momentum.

“The rate at which people are leaving suggests deeper issues within the party’s leadership,” an observer noted.
Influence and 2027 Calculations

The continued influence of established political figures such as Lamido and former governor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar remains central to Jigawa’s political landscape.

“Lamido is a force to reckon with,whether you like it or not,” a stakeholder said. “Anyone seeking to control Jigawa must contend with both Lamido and Badaru.”
This entrenched structure, observers say, is fueling renewed confidence within the PDP as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections.

“PDP is becoming stronger, and that is where the tension is coming from,” another source added.

At a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Dutse, Lamido reiterated the party’s unity and readiness for the electoral contest ahead.

“We are not going anywhere. We will remain in PDP,” he declared. “Everybody will contest,from State Assembly to President,under PDP. No shaking.”
He also urged party members to remain law-abiding and actively participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“INEC has spoken. Our duty is to obey the law—go and revalidate your voter cards,” he said. “Don’t complain, don’t give excuses,prepare for the election.”
Lamido further encouraged members to register on the party’s digital membership platform, describing it as a reaffirmation of loyalty.

“Go and register. It shows clearly,we are in PDP, and we are staying in PDP,” he added.

A Party Consolidating, Not Crumbling
With rival parties grappling with internal divisions and no alternative platform demonstrating comparable grassroots strength, the PDP in Jigawa appears not only stable but increasingly consolidated.

Taking a swipe at the APC, Lamido described the wave of defections and realignments as signs of instability, while maintaining that the PDP remains the most viable platform for democratic consolidation.

Using a metaphor to underscore his point, he said:“If a vehicle is not working, you don’t blame the passengers,you blame the driver.”

As the race toward 2027 gradually gathers momentum, Lamido’s message remains consistent: loyalty, structure, and political identity will define the contest, and in Jigawa, the PDP still considers itself firmly at home.