A former governor of Jigawa State and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Sule Lamido, has said the survival of the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections will depend on the choice of its presidential candidate. In this interview with Weekend Trust, Lamido spoke on speculations about his possible alliance with former President Goodluck Jonathan, the chances of the PDP and why he believes the wrong candidate could undermine the coalition’s strength.
Former President Obasanjo, who is widely regarded as your leader, is being speculated to have nominated you as a potential running mate for former President Jonathan ahead of the 2027 elections; is that true?
That is a very amusing piece of news. I am hearing it from you for the first time. OBJ was my president, my political leader in government; and politically, he remains my leader.
Our relationship is deeply intertwined; it cannot be understood from the outside. So, when something is ascribed to OBJ that I have not heard from him, I question its basis. If such a thing were true, I believe I would have heard it directly from him, not you. Your speculation is purely rhetorical.
Why do you say so?
Because you are seeking an answer where there is no basis for one. I will not respond to rhetorical questions.
But if the opportunity comes; if OBJ moves in that direction, is it something you would consider?
That is another hypothetical question. On this particular matter, because it concerns me directly, I will not answer you. I may respond to other hypothetical questions, but not this one. It is speculative, rhetorical and I will not engage with it.
Many people want clarity because of your political clout and presence in the North-West, and they believe you should be at the forefront if opposition parties are to balance their ticket. That is why they are keen to know if you would be open to such an opportunity.
Thank you very much for the effort to flatter me. I am pleased that Nigerians see something in me that is worth noticing. I feel highly honoured.
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