Sule Lamido: A Legacy That Should Bow Out Gracefully
By Okoi Obono-Obla
Sule Lamido has been entrenched in Nigeria’s political landscape for over six decades. He began his political journey with Aminu Kano’s Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) and was elected to the House of Representatives in 1979 under the platform of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP). Later, he served as the National Secretary of the now-defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), the party that fielded Chief MKO Abiola in the annulled 1993 presidential election.
Despite his prominent position within the SDP during that pivotal moment, rather than standing firmly in defense of democracy, Lamido chose to align with the military regime that nullified the will of the Nigerian people. Under President Obasanjo, he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and subsequently served as the Governor of Jigawa State for eight years.
Lamido has consistently opposed the principle of power rotation to the South—a stance that now sees him aligned with a coalition of political opportunists driven by self-interest and ambition.
Given this history, it would be wise for Lamido to retire peacefully to Jigawa State.
Instead of engaging in revisionist narratives that distort our shared history for political gain, he should preserve what remains of his legacy by embracing reflection over rhetoric.
