A socio-political group in the North, Northern Alternative Forum (NAF), has congratulated former Governor of Jigawa State and one time Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Sule Lamido, on his 76th birthday, describing him as a courageous and visionary leader. The group, however, urged the elder statesman to reconsider his stance on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's governance style and join forces with him in moving the nation forward.

NAF commended Lamido's recent remarks about President Tinubu, acknowledging the President's self-made political prowess and the challenges ahead for the opposition in 2027. The group, in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Mallam Gidado Ibrahim, noted that these remarks demonstrate Lamido's deep understanding of the political landscape and his willingness to speak truth, even when it is not popular.

The group praised Lamido's “unwavering courage and consistency in speaking truth to power, even in the face of adversity,” citing his recent comments about President Tinubu as an example of his honesty and integrity. However, NAF disagreed with Lamido's claim that Tinubu is an emperor, urging him to join hands with the President to address the nation's challenges.

Lamido's Political History

Alhaji Sule Lamido is a prominent figure in Nigerian politics with a long history of activism and leadership. He was a key figure in the pro-democracy movement that led to the return to civilian rule in 1999. As a member of the G34 pressure group, Lamido worked alongside other prominent political leaders, such as the late former Vice President Alex Ekwueme and late Chief Solomon Dushep Lar, to push for democratic reforms.

He served as the first executive governor of Jigawa State from 1999 to 2007, laying the foundation for the state's development. His leadership and vision have been recognized by various groups, including NAF, who believe that his contributions to the development of Jigawa State and Nigeria are immeasurable.

Lamido's Position on Tinubu

NAF acknowledged Lamido's recent comments about President Tinubu, highlighting his recognition of the President's political achievements and the challenges facing the opposition in the upcoming elections. The group believes that Lamido's insights reflect his deep understanding of the political landscape and his commitment to honesty and integrity.

However, NAF expressed disagreement with Lamido's view of President Tinubu as an emperor. The group emphasized the importance of collaboration and unity, urging Lamido to join forces with the President in addressing the nation's economic and security challenges.

NAF's Call for Unity

NAF argued that President Tinubu is working hard to address the current economic and security challenges facing the region and the entire country. The group believes that prominent individuals from the region, like Lamido, should offer their support to the President in these efforts.

NAF went a step further, urging Lamido to consider leaving the PDP, a party they believe laid the foundation for suffering in Nigeria during its 16-year misrule. The group called on Lamido to join the “winning team” of President Tinubu’s “renewed hope administration” to work towards a more prosperous and secure Nigeria.

NAF's statement highlights the complex political landscape in Nigeria, where various groups and individuals hold differing views on the path forward. The group's appeal to Lamido reflects the need for unity and collaboration in addressing the nation's challenges. While Lamido has been a vocal critic of the current government, NAF believes that his experience and insights could be valuable assets in working towards a brighter future for Nigeria.

Lamido's Vision for Nigeria

NAF lauded Lamido's leadership and vision, describing him as a unity symbol for the progressives, who works for the unity of Nigeria. The group expressed its wish for Lamido to continue serving the nation for many years to come.

Despite the call for Lamido to join forces with the ruling party, his legacy as a stalwart of the opposition party, PDP, and his past critiques of the current government remain significant. The NAF's call for unity and Lamido's potential move to align with the ruling party, however, represents a potential shift in the political landscape of Nigeria.

A Shift in the Political Landscape

Lamido's potential shift towards the ruling party, following NAF's appeal, could have far-reaching implications for the 2027 elections. The group's endorsement of Lamido's leadership and his potential alignment with the current administration could impact voter sentiment and the overall political landscape of the country.

While the future remains uncertain, Lamido's political journey has been marked by both adversity and triumph. His potential shift towards the ruling party could be a defining moment in his political career, with implications that extend beyond his personal aspirations to shape the future of Nigeria.

This is a developing story, and we will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.