Tag: Alhaji Sule Lamido

  • PDP crisis: Lamido rules out coalition, opts for alliance ahead of 2027

    PDP crisis: Lamido rules out coalition, opts for alliance ahead of 2027

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has indicated plans to enter into an alliance with another political party yet to be announced ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The move was disclosed by a PDP stalwart and former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, while addressing party caucus members during a special meeting held at his residence.

    Lamido clarified that the PDP was not pursuing a coalition but an alliance, which he described as a strategic decision aimed at strengthening the party’s chances in the next general elections.

    He said he was fully aware of the concerns and anxieties among party members, noting that the prevailing situation within the PDP had compelled him to consult widely with key stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the party’s crisis.

    “I have met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Senate President Bukola Saraki and other prominent leaders of the party. I appealed to them to set aside grievances and personal differences and focus on the survival of the PDP and the millions of members across the country who are worried and confused,” Lamido stated.

    According to him, the resolution of the party’s crisis largely rests on the shoulders of four influential figures which are Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

    “If they so wish, the PDP crisis can be resolved instantly,” he said.

    Lamido assured that efforts were ongoing at the national level to address the challenges confronting the party and chart a way forward for members and supporters nationwide.

    “At the national front, we are doing the needful to find solutions and a clear path forward for all members and supporters. Very soon, progress will be evident,” he added.

    He also revealed that a crucial meeting had been scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, 2025, which he described as a potentially final effort to resolve lingering differences within the party, urging members to remain patient.

    Speaking on the party’s strategy in Jigawa State, Lamido described the planned alliance as a pragmatic approach to reviving the PDP’s electoral fortunes.

    “In Jigawa, we have opted for an alliance going into 2027. Given the realities on ground, this is the most viable path to victory,” he said.

    The former governor attributed the party’s internal challenges, particularly at the regional level, to leadership disputes and post-election disagreements, including contentious candidate selections that had deepened divisions.

    “Some national decisions affected the states negatively and created cracks within the party, but we are now mending fences,” he explained.

    Lamido, however, stressed that the success of the alliance would depend largely on the support and cooperation of grassroots members.

    “Our members and supporters in Jigawa must remain calm, united and ready. They are the backbone of the PDP, and this alliance will strengthen their voice in 2027,” he urged.

    He concluded by assuring party faithful that the moves were part of deliberate actions to reposition the PDP in Jigawa State and across the country, expressing optimism that national-level breakthroughs would soon reinforce state-level efforts.

  • PDP chairmanship: Lamido breaks silence, accuses govs of blocking his ambition 

    PDP chairmanship: Lamido breaks silence, accuses govs of blocking his ambition 

    Former Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Sule Lamido has opened up on his ongoing legal battle with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressing deep concern over the party’s actions that pushed him to seek redress in court.

    Lamido, one of the few remaining founding fathers of the PDP, described the dispute as a “painful and unfortunate situation,” especially given his decades-long loyalty and sacrifice to the party. 

    He spoke during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Dutse.

    He said he decided to approach the court after he was denied the nomination form to contest for the position of National Chairman during the party’s national convention—an action carried out without any explanation.

    “I went to court because I was denied the form to participate in the contest for National Chairman. There was no reason given. It was simply blocked,” he said.

    Lamido further alleged that some PDP governors deliberately worked against his ambition because they feared he would not be controlled by any individual or interest group if elected.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    He also revealed that Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed personally reached out to him, urging him to step down from pursuing the chairmanship position.

    “Bala Mohammed personally called me and said, my senior brother, you are too strong for us. If you become the national chairman, we cannot own and control you.’ I reminded him that when the PDP was formed in 1999, he was not even around. Many of us laboured to build this party from the ground up,” Lamido stated.

    “I told him that, looking at the PDP’s position, contributions, struggle and foresight of the caliber of its people in side it’s and leaders it’s produced in Nigeria to think of gathering all of them completely and owns them at the same time. You know it is not possible”.

    The former Minister of Foreign Affairs said when he arrived at the PDP national secretariat to buy the nomination form only to meet the offices locked, “We went there and found the office locked. There was no means to obtain the form. That was so went to court seeks redress.”

    Lamido disclosed that the court eventually ruled in his favour, ordering the PDP to make the form available to him and provide adequate time for campaigns before conducting the national convention.

    He insisted that the judgment—which he said has been officially served and acknowledged by both the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)—renders the recent PDP national convention “null and void” until the court’s conditions are fully met.

    Reflecting on his decades in politics, Lamido said it pained him deeply to drag the party he helped build to court but stressed that the injustice could not be ignored.

    “I am seriously worried and disturbed that I had to take my own party to court. This is a party that has given me opportunities, and I have served it with loyalty. But the injustice was too much to overlook.”

    Lamido appealed to PDP members and stakeholders across Nigeria to put aside grudges, personal interests, and internal conflicts in order to rebuild the party and restore its national relevance.

    “We must forgive one another and put the party and the country first. Only then can the PDP bounce back stronger and help save Nigeria.”

  • 2027: Coalition should be about democracy, unity, prosperity – Lamido

    2027: Coalition should be about democracy, unity, prosperity – Lamido

    …says he remains in PDP

    A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has said he will not join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or any emerging political coalition unless it is rooted in principles that promote democracy, unity, and national progress.

    Speaking during an interview with journalists at his residence in Kano, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs dismissed the ongoing coalition talks among politicians as being driven by personal ambition rather than the collective good of the country.

    Lamido expressed concern over the state of Nigeria’s democracy, alleging that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the federal government are using state institutions to suppress the opposition and undermine democratic values.

    He criticised the coalition efforts being touted ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing them as a gathering of individuals without any institutional backing or a clear agenda.

    “In 2014, we had a coalition of organs—CPC under Buhari, ACN under Tinubu, and ANPP under its governors—alongside aggrieved PDP members. Those were structured, organic platforms,” he recalled. “Today, we have only individuals coming together. That’s not a proper coalition.”

    Lamido insisted that any credible alliance must be based on clear national objectives such as democracy, unity, security, stability, and prosperity—not on personal ambition or revenge.

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    “I remain in PDP despite its problems. I can’t shed my PDP identity to wear a smaller skin called ADC,” he declared.

    However, he left the door open to supporting a presidential candidate fielded by the coalition, provided the individual is credible and shares the vision for a better Nigeria.

    “Even though I’m in the PDP, if a candidate from such a coalition meets the criteria for credible leadership, I can support him or her without leaving my party,” Lamido said.

    He reaffirmed his commitment to working within the PDP to ensure a viable and united front ahead of the 2027 elections.

  • PDP fires Lamido, says ex-gov, other leaders working against party’s unity

    PDP fires Lamido, says ex-gov, other leaders working against party’s unity

    The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that some former leaders are actively working to undermine the party’s unity and reputation.

    This statement was made in response to comments made by the former governor of Jigawa state, Sule Lamido, who expressed doubts about the PDP’s ability to function effectively.

    The PDP’s national publicity secretary, Debo Ologunagba, revealed that the NWC held an emergency meeting on Wednesday and expressed concern about such views.

    The statement read: “The NWC however expresses serious displeasure over incautious conduct, activities, and unguarded utterances by certain leaders who are out to disparage critical Organs of the Party, inflame passions, cause division among members, and bring our dear Party to public disrepute for their selfish reasons.

    “Of particular reference is the deleterious public statement credited to the former Governor of Jigawa State, His Excellency Sule Lamido, which was made apparently with the intent to inject bad blood and drag down our Party for self-seeking motives.

    “The NWC has received very disturbing reports that such unscrupulous individuals are recruited by the One-Party-State seeking APC administration to undermine the cohesion that exists within the PDP which will enable it to effectively perform its opposition role for the sustenance of Democracy and the wellbeing of Nigerians.

    “It is rather unfortunate that such inexcusable conducts, comments, utterances, and betrayals are coming from individuals who have benefitted immensely from the PDP but who have the record and notoriety of brazenly betraying the Party in various elections and at the slightest opportunity for their selfish interests.”

    He further emphasised the party’s conviction that such former party leaders must henceforth caution themselves as the party’s current leadership sees them as the sole source of many problems plaguing the party today.

    Read Also: APC to Lamido: We are still addressing the wrongs of PDP

    He reiterated the party’s belief that those former party leaders must take responsibility for their actions and refrain from causing further issues within the party.

    Ologunagba stated that the current leadership of the party considers them to be the primary source of many of the problems currently affecting the party.

    He noted: “It is instructive to state that some of the challenges that plagued our Party in the recent past and those confronting it at the moment are traceable to the comments, utterances, and actions of these unpatriotic individuals which are inconsistent with the opportunity that the Party gave them in the past.

    “The minimum that Nigerians and indeed members of the PDP expect from such leaders is to show appreciation and commitment to the Party and the nation by engaging in constructive suggestions that will be in the interest of our Party and Nigerians with regard to good governance and not to engage in actions that undermine the genuine efforts being made by the leadership of the Party which may not be in line with their selfish political venture and expectations.

    “These leaders must understand and recognize that their actions and utterances are not only inimical to the wellbeing of Nigerians but also in gross violation of the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP, especially Sections 57, 58 and 59 of the Constitution of the PDP.

    “The NWC therefore in very strong terms cautions such leaders to be mindful of their actions, utterances, and conducts which are contrary to the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP.”

    Commenting on current developments in Rivers State, the PDP spokesman reassured the party members in Rivers state, stressing that efforts would be made to limit the effect of the onslaught from the ruling All Progressives Congress.

    He added: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the end of its emergency meeting on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, re-assures all members, critical stakeholders, and supporters of our Party that its interventions particularly with regard to the political development in Rivers State are yielding desired results.

    “The NWC also reassures that the PDP remains united and firmly on the ground in Rivers State and other parts of the country despite the challenges.

    “The NWC under the Acting Chairmanship of Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum remains unwavering in providing steady and effective leadership that ensures the stability, growth, and effective management of interests and corporate integrity of our Party in spite of the onslaught by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to decimate the opposition and impose a One-Party State on our nation.”

    Ologunagba stressed that the PDP NWC firmly believes that at this moment, Nigerians are looking up to the PDP for direction in the quest to sustain democracy and save the nation from sliding into totalitarianism.

  • Jigawa State Varsity: Another history in the making

    On Saturday, December 1, 2018 the first convocation of the Jigawa State University, Kafin-Hausa, held its first convocation. It was a landmark in the history of the university.

    I extol Alhaji Sule Lamido, the former governor of the state, for establishing the university in order to afford state indigenes more access to higher education opportunities.

    Before the establishment of the state university, half or more than of eligible candidates of Jigawa origin who seek admission into higher institutions in other universities fail to get it due to lack of opportunities, hence the very warm welcome with which Jigawa citizens received the establishment of the state university, which was named after him “Sule Lamido University Kafin-Hausa”. The founder, Dr. Sule Lamido, who attended the convocation ceremony at the university premises received cheers, praises, appreciations and commendations on his arrival to the venue and on hearing the vice chancellor applauding the effort of the founding father and praising him, students and supporters of Lamido stood, chanting ‘Sai Lamido, godiya muke’ (Lamido we are  indeed, grateful.)

    I use this opportunity to congratulate Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, the outgoing vice chancellor of the university, and the incoming vice chancellor, Professor Lawan Sani Taura.

    I wish the new VC Allah’s help, guidance and protection. May He give you the ability, patience and wisdom to discharge your duties faithfully, diligently, heartedly, and effectively etc.

    As for the outgoing VC, Professor Ribadu, I will congratulate you but I have to say we will miss you much and more. We thank God Almighty for giving you the ability, wisdom, patience, courage, endurance, understanding and passion to pilot the affairs of this standard and modernized university which is one of the best universities in West Africa. We will remain ever grateful to you for the contributions you offered to administer and move the varsity this far.

    Your vast experience, dedication and selfless service to the varsity, Nigerian society and humanity in general will never be in vain. In-Sha-Allah you will continue to prosper. Sky is the limit.

    Words cannot be enough to thank you, gifts cannot be enough to reward you, many things cannot be enough to appreciate you but only the Almighty one, God, Allah can reward you and make you sufficient. Masha Allah.

    Allarai (Prof Ribadu) I wish you well, I wish you all the best and I wish you more time excellent. May the Almighty God crown your efforts with much success and am wishing you success and progress in all your undertakings. Thank you. I congratulate the graduating students and wish them the best in their future endeavours.

     

    • By Adamu Muhd Usman

    Kafin-Hausa, Jigawa State.

     

  • 2019: Tambuwal, Sambo, others assure Atiku of Northwest votes

    Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Northwest Coordinator of the Atiku /Obi 2019 presidential campaign has said that the people of Northwest would vote wisely for PDP devoid of sentiment.

    While presenting his welcome address Monday in Sokoto at the flag off,   Tambuwal who described Atiku as a well incubated political icon and democrat noted that the country was yearning for him as he remains the best choice with the required credentials to lead.

    “PDP will run an all-inclusive government with priority to the youths as well drives our economy to prosperity.

    “If given Atiku the mandate, he will transform our agriculture, education, create job for our teeming youths and ensure respect for the rule of law in the principle of uplifting the tenets of separation of powers where independence would be encouraged for our national stability”, he explained.

    While urging Nigerians to turn out enmasse and entrust their mandate in Atiku added that” Atiku is a leader who believes in our youths. So believe in who believes in you. Unlike the current president who will go out of the shores of this country and smear the good image of our country as well discourage our youths by name tagging them as ‘lazy,” he stressed.

    Former Kaduna state governor and immediate past Caretaker Committee chairman of the party, Senator Ahmed Muhammad Makarfi said he was optimistic of Atiku’s victory, noting that only God gives power and as such he has the form believe that PDP would form government.

    Former Jigawa state governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido advised Nigerians to reconcile their individual state of survival with current realities in terms of security, poverty, socio-economic transformation which were at their lowest ebb as a result of bad governance.

    In his remarks, former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Kabiru Turaki described the APC led government as unrealistic and woeful in its promise to Nigerians to make it better.

    “We have heard a lot of rhetorics by the APC led regime and nothing has happened. Nigerians are fed up and need a messiah in PDP,” he stressed

    Taraba state governor, Darius Ishaku urged Nigerians to massively  vote for PDP presidential candidate, adding that” we the PDP governors have resolved to mobilise our people to actively support the dream of our party by making it victorious,” he called.

    Former Niger state governor, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu urged PDP members to ensure their votes go to Atiku whom he believes has what it takes to sail Nigeria through the murky waters of bad governance created by the ruling APC.

  • Ibb: Lamido will be good candidate

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant  Alhaji Sule Lamido has visited former President General Ibrahim Babangida.

    It was part of his consultative meeting with former leaders, stakeholders, party officials and elders on his ambition in 2019. The meeting was held at the Minna Hilltop residence of the former President in Minna, capital of Niger State.

    In a statement Lamido’s media aide, Mansur Ahmed said: “The meeting, with former President discussed extensity about the Presidential ambition of Sule Lamido. The meeting, which lasted over an hour, was to paid a homage, to brief him about our nationwide consultation, to seek for his prayer, blessing, advise and to learn more from his vast experienced.”

    Mansur said Lamido and Babangida discussed the imperative of working together to ensure that Nigeria remained a safe, stable and united country. He said: “We generally talked about the general well-being of Nigeria. It is of interest to all of us that Nigeria remains a stable and united country where Muslims and Christians can live.”

    Former President Babangida said: “Sule, Nigeria will be great with you as its president because you are a student of late Malam Aminu Kano, who saw and perceived life as struggle for the emancipation of the common man.

    “Nigeria needs leadership because the current leadership lost focus, vision, courage to lead Nigeria to promise land, today In Nigeria a brother killing a brother, kidnapping, hunger everywhere, you need to stand up and unite yourself to rescue Nigeria come 2019.

    When Lamido and members of his campaign met with Former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta about a week ago, he said Lamido can rule Nigerians going by his track record and achievements in Jigawa State when he was a governor. Lamido made a similar visits to former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, on April 17, as part of his nationwide consultations on his Presidential aspiration in 2019.

    Lamido said PDP members will not be discouraged despite what he called persecution by the current administration.

    “Government should be respected not feared. Government should be there for all of us, whether APC and PDP. 2019 will be a defining moment for Nigeria”, he said. Lamido, had earlier visit PDP secretariat and discussed with party officials under the leadership of Barr. Tanko Beji.

     

  • Arrest, prosecute killer politicians, Lamido tells Buhari

    Former Governor of Jigawa state and presidential aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Sule Lamido on Sunday challenged President Muhammadu Buhari to come out with the names of politicians who he believed are behind the incessant killings in the country and bring them to justice.

    Lamido was reacting to the claims by the Presidency that it has the list of names of politicians who are behind the killings of innocent Nigerians.

    “President Buhari said ‘I know those politicians, who are sponsoring these killings,’ he said so, as the Commander-In-Chief. Now, have they been arrested? Who are they? Name them. People are dying every day, and he knows the killers and they have not been arrested. You press men, please ask him (Buhari) who they are, he should arrest them,” Lamido added.

    The presidential aspirant who spoke to journalists in his Kano residence, insisted that the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) government has failed to deliver in its three-point agenda of security, economy and fighting corruption.

    Lamido who said he has started consultation with PDP stakeholders across the country ahead of the convention regretted that Nigerians have suffered a lot under APC government.

    According to him, “on security, you see, before it were Boko Haram, it has now gone beyond Boko Haram. It is now inter-tribal. It is between Fulani and Fulanis; it is between Hausa and Hausas, between Igbos and Igbos. In Ebonyi it is there, in Zamfara it is there and in Sokoto, it is there.

    “So, you see, today, we are under siege. It means all they key security chiefs appointed by this government have failed to deliver. Nigerians are now sleepless, they are watching, they have so many things in their minds—whether to go for what they know is safety, security and prosperity or to go for this culture of violence which is now defiling Nigeria as a country.”

    Lamido further stated that, “the three factors that they used during their campaign—economy, security and fighting corruption are all zero.

    “How on earth can Buhari go to Danjuma Goje’s house to beg him—Goje who has been arraigned in court! And Buhari preferred to go to him, by that, the Judge should be very very careful, because it means they cannot convict Goje.

    “If Oshiomole after all these noise and ranting will go to Saraki and Tambuwal and beg them, after calling PDP thieves and what have you, which means their fight against corruption is defeated.”

    Speaking on the just concluded Ekiti governorship election, Lamido said, “the election process in Ekiti was heavily militarized; and I know it shouldn’t be a surprise because we are being led by a former military General who was also a former military Head of State, who was known for arresting political leaders.

    “Number two, you see, he (Buhari) only says politicians are this, politicians are that, which means he is not a politician.

    “So, I think the election in Ekiti, to me, if it is the wish of the people that is announced as the result, I have no quarrels with it. I hope, also, that this is not the kind of thing we are going to experience in 2019 elections because it will spell doom for democracy.

    “You see, even before the election, there was this acrimony, the atmosphere was very tensed. You see, sending 30, 000 police men in Ekiti for a governorship election is very worrisome.

    “From what I heard, they said they sent 30, 000 police men, we don’t know the number of other security agencies and para-military. If in 2019, they are sending 30, 000 police men to conduct elections in each state, that means 30, 000 times 36, including Abuja—this is very curious.

    “If this was how that election was conducted, that means they instilled fear in the people. To me, the election has come and gone, it has been conducted and the winner has been declared, I certainly hope that it is the wish of the people that was declared. Let it be the wish of the people that is being declared, simple.”

    He expressed confidence that PDP will reclaim power in 2019, adding that PDP has learnt from its past mistakes.

    According to him, “you see, PDP was in government for 16 years at all the levels, it was PDP. The key players today in APC are also PDP.

    “So, it means we know our mistake; we made a mistake because people who were in PDP left and they were able to conceive the APC; and to that effect, this APC government is our own baby. So, we have this commitment and passion for Nigerians.

    “We have learnt our lessons and we have seen the consequences of our second-eleven being in government—they have no capacity, they have no commitment, and they unleash pains and agony on Nigerians.

    “PDP is a family; it is a family which has a very strong background. It is a family which was built on the reflection of what was Nigeria and the evolution of our great country.”

  • I am not desperate for Nigerian Presidency, says Lamido

    I am not desperate for Nigerian Presidency, says Lamido

    Former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido on Monday, said that he was not desperate for the position of Nigeria’s president in the 2019 general elections.

    Lamido said this   in Abakaliki when he led his campaign team on a courtesy visit to Gov. David Umahi.

    The former governor said he would accept the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) decision on its torchbearer  for the election.

    Lamido urged the party to concentrate on nominating its best candidate for the position, noting that the party  is blessed with talented and patriotic Nigerians who would represent it and the country equitably.

    “I will administer a new direction for Nigeria if nominated because I aspire to unite Nigerians and make the country prosperous and secure.

    “I believe that I am qualified to win the party’s nomination because I am a party man by history and character with the party giving me everything I am in life.

    “The party discovered me from my obscure village in Jigawa, made me its state chairman and after I lost initial bids to become the state governor, made me Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister during a period of its pariah status.

    “The party further made me the state governor and I want to presently pay it and the country back with selfless service that would unite, reconcile and prosper the citizens,” he said.

    He urged the governor to give all aspirants that would be visiting the state equal attention, noting that all of them including himself, belong to one large family.

    “We are around nine aspirants jostling for the position presently but the emphasis should be on the nomination of the best man that would be seen as the country’s torch bearer.

    “The party is looking upon its governors for direction and as the convention to pick its candidate approaches, it should concentrate on reclaiming the confidence reposed in it by Nigerians,” he said.

    The  former governor thanked the party faithful for standing by it through its trying times, noting that those who decamped were ungrateful and lost touch with its ideals.

    “The decampees who include former governors, ministers, legislators among others, are those who were hitherto unknown until the party gave them the platform to be known in the country.

    “The loss of the 2015 elections was bitter because members from the northern part of country were seen as infidels with some flogged, their houses burnt including my office,”

    He noted that as president, he would permanently check the farmers and herdsmen clashes among other crisis points in the country and ensure that every part of the country gets a fair share in the polity.

    Gov. David Umahi, who is the chairman of the South East Governors Forum, commended Lamido for his doggedness and noted that the PDP was in the right direction with the way aspirants pursued their ambitions.

    “Aspirants into various offices in the last national convention toured the country to show they were serious over their ambitions and it is pleasing that presidential aspirants are towing the same line.

    “This will ensure that those who would eventually occupy the offices would realise that they actually competed for it and wound not take the losers and party’s generality for granted,” he said.(NAN)

  • PDP: Lamido canvasses free, credible convention

    PDP: Lamido canvasses free, credible convention

    A former governor of Jigawa, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has called the leadership of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ensure that the party’s December national convention would be free and fair.

    Lamido made the call when he met with ex-PDP Speakers of States Houses of Assembly forum on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said that anybody that emerged as PDP chairman would enjoy the required support from all party’s members.

    Commenting on Gov. Ayo Fayose’s declaration for presidency in 2018, Lamido said that it was the constitutional right of the governor to contest like every other Nigerians.

    He said that Fayose had the right to contest even though, the party had zone the 2019 presidential ticket to the North.

    He also advised PDP members to be courageous in the face of what he described as “persecution”.

    “We need people to be courageous.”

    He reiterated his determination to remain in PDP, saying “no matter how hard I try, if I move to All Progressive Congress (APC), my soul will not follow me.”

    Lamido added that without the PDP members who joined the APC, the party would not have defeated PDP in the last general elections.

    The former Minister of Foreign Affairs said that 2019 would be a defining moment for Nigeria.

    The News Agency Nigeria (NAN) former Ogun State Governor, Mr Gbenga Daniel also met with the forum.