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Former Jigawa State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Sule Lamido, has defended the deregistration of some political parties, describing the action as constitutional and consistent with the law.
Lamido called on politicians and Nigerians to respect judicial pronouncements and democratic institutions, warning against attempts to undermine the rule of law because of personal or partisan interests.
Speaking on recent court decisions affecting some political parties, the former governor said the Nigerian Constitution remains the supreme legal authority and that all institutions established under it must be respected.
According to him, the judiciary derives its powers directly from the Constitution and is empowered to interpret laws and make binding decisions.
“We willingly gave ourselves a Constitution as a country. The Constitution created the judiciary, political parties, the legislature and other institutions. Once these institutions act within the powers granted to them, Nigerians have an obligation to obey their decisions,” Lamido said.
He cautioned against questioning the credibility of institutions whenever their decisions do not favour particular political interests, stressing that strong institutions are essential for democratic stability and national development.
“It is institutions that build a country. The moment people begin to attack institutions simply because decisions do not go their way, democracy is endangered,” he added.
Commenting on the prospects of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, Lamido dismissed suggestions that recent political developments would weaken opposition politics.
He argued that many politicians currently presenting themselves as opposition figures are products of the same political establishment and that the strength of opposition politics should not be measured solely by recent developments affecting political parties.
“When people talk about opposition, who are they referring to? Most of those making noise in various parties today are the same politicians who moved from one party to another over the years. They are largely the same political actors,” he said.
The PDP stalwart maintained that his party had remained consistent despite the defection of some of its members to rival political platforms.
“PDP has remained PDP. Many of those now claiming to be opposition figures were once in PDP before moving elsewhere. The faces have largely remained the same,” he stated.
Lamido also declined to offer personal interpretations of matters already settled by the courts, insisting that legal disputes should be resolved through constitutional channels rather than by political sentiment.
“If the judiciary has made a pronouncement under powers granted by the Constitution, the proper thing is to respect it. Anyone who is dissatisfied has the right to seek redress through appeal or other lawful means,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to constitutionalism, Lamido said democracy can only thrive when citizens and political actors place faith in the institutions established by law.
“I believe in the rule of law. Despite my own political experiences and challenges, I have never lost faith in democratic institutions. Nigeria’s democracy will endure only when we respect the Constitution and the institutions it created,” he added.
His remarks come amid growing political realignments and heightened debate over the strength of opposition parties as political actors begin positioning for the 2027 general elections
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