Sule Lamido Considers Joining APC if Tinubu Ends Insecurity in North

Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has denied claims by Vice-President Kashim Shettima that he and other former governors from the state have aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Lamido described Shettima's declaration as misleading, accusing the Vice-President of attempting to use the names of prominent opposition politicians to create the impression that the APC enjoys widespread support in the state.

Lamido questioned how he could have joined the APC when he had remained outside the party since 2014. "I don't know where Kashim Shettima got that information. I was not with the APC in 2014, so why would I suddenly become a member in 2026?" he asked. He challenged the ruling party to showcase its achievements in Jigawa and other Northern states, arguing that its failure to point to significant accomplishments had forced it to associate itself with influential politicians from the region.

However, Lamido said he would be willing to join the APC if the Tinubu administration successfully tackled kidnapping, Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and other security threats across Northern Nigeria. "If they can end kidnapping, Boko Haram, banditry, and all the other problems affecting the North, I will certainly join the APC. Everything we do should be for the benefit of our people," he said.

The former governor also dismissed Shettima's claim using the Kanuri expression "kattuwunum", which he explained means a lie or falsehood. Shettima had earlier declared at Tuesday's APC rally in Dutse that Jigawa was firmly behind the ruling party. He specifically claimed that all four former governors of the state, including Lamido, a founding figure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had aligned with the APC.

Lamido's statement has sparked reactions, with several Nigerians questioning the claim that Lamido had abandoned the opposition for the ruling party. The development comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, with many politicians beginning to make moves to strengthen their positions. The APC and PDP have been rivals in Nigerian politics for years, with the APC currently in power.

The issue of insecurity in Northern Nigeria has been a major challenge for the Tinubu administration. The region has been plagued by kidnapping, Boko Haram insurgency, and banditry, among other security threats. Lamido's condition for joining the APC highlights the concerns of many Nigerians who are seeking a solution to the insecurity problem.

The response from Lamido has also raised questions about the APC's strategy in Jigawa State. The party's claim that Lamido and other former governors have aligned with it may have been an attempt to boost its image in the state. However, Lamido's denial and condition for joining the APC have put the party's strategy to the test.

Key points

• Sule Lamido may join the APC if President Tinubu's administration ends insecurity in Northern Nigeria.
• Lamido denied claims by Vice-President Kashim Shettima that he had aligned with the APC.
• The issue of insecurity in Northern Nigeria remains a major challenge for the Tinubu administration.