Lamido Snubs El-Rufai’s SDP Invitation, Labels It an ‘Insult’
Former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has categorically rejected an invitation extended by ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), describing the proposition as both inappropriate and disrespectful.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa on Sunday, Lamido criticized El-Rufai’s overtures, asserting that his political career was built on the foundation laid by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“The party we formed, the PDP, is the one that gave birth to El-Rufai. You’re not enough to make us leave the PDP,” Lamido stated. He further recalled that El-Rufai had, in the past, derided Nigeria’s political landscape by claiming there were no true political elders in the country. “But now he is calling on us to join him in the SDP,” Lamido scoffed.
Lamido’s rejection of the offer comes amid growing speculation about the real motives behind El-Rufai’s sudden departure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the SDP. He questioned El-Rufai’s political maneuvering, implying that the former Kaduna governor’s actions were driven by personal ambition rather than genuine ideological convictions.
Reaffirming his loyalty to the PDP, Lamido declared that the opposition party had done nothing to justify his defection.
El-Rufai, in a recent BBC Hausa interview, had appealed to opposition leaders—including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola—to join the SDP in what appears to be a strategic move to consolidate political forces ahead of the 2027 elections. However, Lamido’s strong rebuttal suggests that El-Rufai’s call may face significant resistance from seasoned politicians still aligned with their respective parties.
El-Rufai’s political transition has raised questions about his influence and the SDP’s viability as an alternative to the PDP and APC. As political realignments continue, Lamido’s outright dismissal of the SDP invitation signals that El-Rufai’s attempt to build a formidable third force may encounter major obstacles.
Observers suggest that unless El-Rufai can convincingly articulate the SDP’s ideological distinctiveness and political vision, his recruitment efforts may be met with further skepticism.
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Lamido Snubs El-Rufai’s SDP Invitation, Labels It an ‘Insult’