Anderson Cooper's Take: Nigeria's Political Quagmire And The Path Forward

Scope 03 Apr 2025

Sule Lamido Speaks Out: Nigerian Challenges and Accountability

Anderson here. Let's dive into the conversation around Nigeria's current state of affairs. Former Jigawa State Governor and prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Sule Lamido, has laid the blame for the nation's troubles squarely on the shoulders of Nigerians themselves. In a candid moment at his residence in Bamaina during a Ramadan fast-breaking event, Lamido expressed his frustration, pointing out that Nigerians voted the PDP out of power without fully considering the repercussions of their decision. It's like when you're in a boat and decide to change captains mid-storm—sometimes, it doesn't end well.

Expanding on his thoughts, Lamido went on to criticize President Bola Tinubu, asserting that Nigerians don't truly know the man they've placed in office. He described Tinubu as someone who excels in deceit and selfishness. Now, those are some strong words, but Lamido believes it's necessary to call it as he sees it. "As I've been saying," Lamido stated, "Nigerians don't know much about Tinubu. He's an expert in deceit and selfishness." This kind of honesty might be uncomfortable, but it's a conversation that needs to happen.

Can the Opposition Unite? Lamido's Perspective

Meanwhile, there's been a call from another political heavyweight, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, urging opposition leaders to unite under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to address the nation's current challenges. But Lamido isn't buying it. He insists that unity alone won't cut it. Instead, he argues that only the ideals of truth and nationalism can effectively confront Tinubu. "You can't challenge Tinubu with rage, greed, hate, envy, or wickedness," Lamido emphasized. "He's a master of all that." It's a powerful statement, one that suggests that the opposition needs to rethink its approach entirely.

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Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Lamido is confident that the PDP remains the only political force capable of unseating Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC). But here's the kicker—he's calling on former PDP members who defected to the APC, including the likes of Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Aliyu Wamakko, to return to the fold and strengthen the opposition. It's almost like a family reunion, but with a political twist.

The State of the Nation: A Cause for Concern

Lamido expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of the nation, highlighting widespread poverty, hunger, insecurity, and general apprehension among Nigerians. He painted a picture of a leadership that has seemingly lost its way, leaving the people confused and uncertain about the future. "Everyone in Nigeria is now confused because the leadership has lost focus," Lamido observed. But he also stressed the importance of maintaining focus in the political struggle, urging politicians to set aside personal prejudices. "It will be difficult to defeat Tinubu if we allow personal biases to cloud our judgment," he warned.

He further emphasized the need for a collective approach, stressing that success can only be achieved when everyone works together with the national interest in mind. "You can't fight state institutions based on personal disappointment and expect to succeed," Lamido said. "The only way forward is to ensure that everyone is bound by the philosophy of collective national interest." It's a message of unity and collaboration, one that resonates deeply in these challenging times.

A Call to Reunite: PDP's Role in Nigeria's Future

Lamido extended an invitation to former PDP members who defected to the APC, urging them to return to their original party. "There's no shame in coming back to the party that glorified you and gave you all the opportunities to excel in the Nigerian political arena," he said. Lamido believes that political bitterness must be set aside, as leadership cannot thrive on anger alone. "Leadership cannot go with anger," he reiterated, calling on figures like Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Aliyu Wamakko to reunite under the PDP banner. The goal? To work towards what Lamido described as the liberation of Nigeria from the APC's alleged mismanagement.

While some might look to alternative parties like the Social Democratic Party (SDP) or the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for solutions, Lamido remains steadfast in his belief that only the PDP has the structure and strength to mount a formidable opposition. It's a bold claim, but one that reflects his unwavering confidence in the party's potential to lead Nigeria back on the right path.

As the nation continues to navigate these challenging times, the voices of leaders like Sule Lamido remind us of the importance of accountability, unity, and a shared vision for the future. Whether you agree with his views or not, one thing is clear: the road ahead will require courage, collaboration, and a commitment to the ideals that truly matter.