Sule Lamido: The Quintessential Ambassador of Nigeria’s Democracy -By Abdu Abdullahi

If I were to write a book on Alhaji Sule Lamido, it would be entitled, ‘Sule Lamido: Being true to democracy.’

This is because it has taken a great deal of selfless services and enormous sacrifices rendered by Lamido to identify with the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians through democracy. He has been persistent and resolute, empowered by huge amount of ideological resources to move democracy forward. Up to now, he has not lost the indefatigable value of politics as an essential service for redeeming the oppressed and the exploited.

Nevertheless., it was a historic day for the launching of Sule Lamido’s autobiography, ‘Being true to myself’ on 13th May, 2025. I wished I had been in attendance to celebrate Lamido as an iconic politician who had spent fruitful years of political struggle for the evolution of not only democracy but national integration and good governance. The historic book is worth celebrating and documenting, serving as a catalyst for other politicians to engage us in their overall performance of public life and how it has shaped Nigeria’s political development.

But then, it was enthusiastic that prominent personalities of elated integrity graced the memorable occasion. They were not just there to deliver speeches or witness the event. They were there because Lamido has been a true democrat with remarkable achievements both in politics and government. One of his greatest accomplishments is playing politics with a sincerity of purpose and universal appeal, that is attaining collective end result and not individual end result.

Right from adolescence, politics entered his brain with a revolutionary vaccination. That was the injection of rescuing the masses from the viruses of reactionary elements. Luckily for him, he came into contact with the late radical teacher of politics, Malam Aminu Kano and was recruited into his school of heroic philosophy. He learnt from him the greatest value of all democracies ,enthroning masses oriented government. Gradually, the insatiable desire for a national rebirth aligned with his philosophy of masses first in politics, defining and deepening his political outlook.

For over four decades, he has participated in three political parties. The People’s Redemption Party,( PRP) in the Second Republic. During that period, he was an active member of the House of Representatives. He was the national secretary of the Social Democratic Party( SDP) in the ill-fated Third Republic. From 1999 to date, he has been a faithful founding member of the People’s Democratic Party( PDP). His firm loyalty to the PDP has continued to resonate with the political need for politicians to remain ideologically stable and instill confidence in their political thoughts and practices.

Having been realistic and consistent with the ideals of democracy, he has been transforming with prevalent situations, notably, his politics has always been tilted towards the left for a radical change for the good of the people. That was the main reason for his being in the PRP and the SDP. For the PDP, his membership could be traced to the gallant struggles against military despotism when he was a founding member of the G9.

Though, here, he mixed and politically integrated with conservative elements, it was necessitated by a national agitation of sacking the military from the domains of politics. He is the only surviving member of the defunct G9. For now, he is also the only political actor of the Second Republic who is still vibrant in the practice of democracy. Has he not attained the rank of a ‘General’ in politics?

Definitive is Lamido’s democracy, laden with the cardinal principle of serving the people with dedication and the fear of Allah. This is thoroughly practiced in conformity with his own values, beliefs and desires which are never a threat to democracy, without succumbing to external pressures or forces for destruction. Lamido has incredibly been authentic, honest both in thoughts and actions, reflecting his true self which is extended to the level of democracy and governance. This was ably demonstrated when he was the governor of Jigawa state, mixing democracy with good intentions to produce a people’s government based on trust and confidence between the leader and the led. His political ingenuity also fosters his democratic viability which greatly inspires many of us.

While most contemporary politicians lack political creativities to make their politics consistent and developmentally inspiring, Lamido is endowed with immense political resources which have made consistency in his politics. He has never shown any uncontrollable desire for power and self-indulgence. In 1999, he was rigged in the governorship election of Jigawa state but remained calm and ignored the call to seek legal action.

But as fate would have it, in 2007, he was elected as the governor of Jigawa state. And within just two years, he made all of us to be proud of Jigawa. After eight years of progressive government, he was able to score the confidence of people. They trusted him just as he trusted himself that he really prepared for government to improve our lots. Amazingly, he seized every opportunity to turn challenges into achievements. He focused on Jigawa just like a researcher does, questioning himself about disabilities and answering with the language and actions of possibilities. In absolute bewilderment, Lamido’s unprecedented achievements were not a propaganda. They were living strides which are still echoing loudly. We are living witnesses in Jigawa.

At one time, a political tragedy had engulfed democracy. Former governor Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa state sent him to prison for alleged breach of public peace through ‘inciting utterances.’ Ironically, however, when Lamido was fiercely fighting for the restoration of democracy at the risk of his life, Badaru was nowhere to be found in the battle field. He was unknown in politics, concentrating in business activities. Being a champion of democracy, Lamido called on his followers to abstain from taking the law into their hands. Therefore, he has been the voice of democracy, the hope of democracy and the defence of democracy in a dwindling democratic practices.

Finally, Lamido’s personal memoir will continue to be unforgettable . His unflinching support for true meaning of democracy is a lesson for all politicians. Particularly, his ability to offer Jigawa a new face lift will remain the undisputable evidence for his being a true ambassador of democracy in Nigeria.