Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has responded strongly to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, while also defending his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) amid ongoing corruption allegations.
Speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa on Saturday, Lamido revisited his long-running dispute with Malami. He said Malami, during his time as Minister of Justice, took him to court and accused him of theft.
He stated:
“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?”
Lamido also rejected criticism over his continued stay in the PDP, saying people are unfairly selective when judging politicians’ alliances.
“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.
He further referenced other politicians, including former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, and meetings involving President Bola Tinubu, to argue that cross-party interactions are normal in Nigerian politics.
“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,” he added.
Although he reaffirmed his PDP membership, Lamido hinted that he could support alliances with other parties if their ideology aligns.
“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 case filed by the EFCC, Lamido said the matter has dragged on for about 10 years and claimed it was politically motivated to stop his presidential ambition during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
“It has been 10 years, and I am still in court. This started during the administration of former President, Goodluck Jonathan,” he said.
He also insisted that his political stance is based on principle, especially regarding internal PDP disagreements involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
