Former Jigawa State Governor and prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Sule Lamido, has said he is open to supporting Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, in the 2027 general elections if the newly formed opposition coalition selects him as its flagbearer.
Speaking during a media chat on Saturday, Lamido emphasized that his loyalty remains with the PDP but noted that his support in the next election would go to any candidate, including Obi, who demonstrates genuine commitment to rescuing Nigeria from its current political and economic challenges.
“If the coalition produces Peter Obi or anyone else committed to rescuing Nigeria, I will support them. But I remain PDP. We should have outgrown tribal and regional sentiments,” Lamido stated. “Leadership should be about competence and vision, not geography. What has the North gained from producing the most presidents if the region remains underdeveloped?”
He called for a departure from ethnically driven politics, insisting that competence and national unity should be prioritized in the country’s quest for good governance.
Lamido stressed the need for an inclusive and effective coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship.
The former governor also weighed in on the issue of zoning, describing it as a temporary political mechanism initially adopted by the PDP in the aftermath of the annulled June 12, 1993 election.
“Zoning was a healing mechanism, a temporary measure to restore trust. But now, it has become an albatross,” he said.
Lamido’s remarks come amid growing calls for unity among opposition leaders, with several top politicians rallying around a common platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
