Dare Babalola
Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has renewed his war of words with ex-Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, while defending his continued membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) amid lingering corruption allegations.
Speaking during an interview with DCL Hausa on Saturday, Lamido revisited his past legal battle with Malami, which began when the latter served as Minister of Justice.
He accused the former AGF of targeting him unjustly, stressing that the allegations against him have not been substantiated.
According to Lamido, “When Abubakar Malami was Minister of Justice, he took me to court and accused me of being a thief. But today, it is clear that what he owns, I do not own. Do I have a hotel in Birnin Kudu or houses in Abuja?”
The former governor also pushed back against critics questioning why he has remained in the PDP despite ongoing political realignments across the country. He argued that political interactions across party lines are common and should not attract undue scrutiny.
“Why is there concern because I have not left the PDP? Many PDP members maintain relationships with politicians in other parties, especially the APC, and nobody questions them,” he said.
Citing examples to support his argument, Lamido referenced the movements of former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, noting that engagements between opposition figures and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including meetings with President Bola Tinubu, have not generated similar criticism.
“If Shekarau visits Tinubu, it is not considered news. Party leaders and governors are doing the same. Yet, when it comes to me, it becomes an issue,” Lamido added.
While reaffirming his commitment to the PDP, the former governor hinted at the possibility of future political collaborations, noting that alliances could be formed based on shared ideology.
“I am still in the PDP, but if I see another party whose ideology aligns with mine, we can form an alliance and work together,” he stated.
On the corruption charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lamido expressed frustration over the prolonged legal process, which he said has dragged on for a decade.
“It has been 10 years, and I am still in court. This started during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan,” he said.
Lamido further alleged that the case was politically motivated, claiming it was initiated to derail his presidential ambition at the time.
“Jonathan started this allegation because he heard I wanted to contest. It was to stop me,” he alleged.
Addressing internal tensions within the PDP, particularly concerns surrounding the influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Lamido maintained that his stance within the party is guided by principle rather than personal interest.
“There is self-interest, and there is truth. I stand for the truth. The question is: where does the PDP stand legally and in the eyes of the electoral body? That is where I stand, as a PDP member,” he said.
