Despite shifting political alliances across Nigeria, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jigawa State is showing renewed strength and cohesion, with former governor Sule Lamido leading efforts to consolidate its base ahead of 2027.

Lamido has firmly dismissed concerns over the party’s future, declaring unwavering loyalty even amid internal challenges and defections.

Speaking during an interview at his residence at the weekend, he reacted sharply to claims that he did not stay till the end of the party’s recent convention.

“How do you come up with this information? Are you really being fair to me?”
Acknowledging the PDP’s challenges, Lamido, however, insisted they are not enough to warrant abandoning the party, likening it to a personal home.

“Yes, it is true, there are problems in PDP. But it is my party—my home.”
“If my house is leaking, I will not abandon it and go and rent a small house somewhere else.”

He used the analogy to criticise politicians defecting to other platforms, describing such moves as lacking conviction and ideological grounding.

“I am not going to any political house owned by somebody else. I am from a political home.”
On the emergence of alternative platforms like the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Lamido questioned the moral basis of political realignments.

“Those who went to ADC were originally in PDP… they left their home.”
“Morally, is it right to go and confiscate another party from its owners?”

He further argued that frequent defections reflect a lack of political depth.

“They left because they have no capacity to stand on their own and build something fresh.”

Lamido also dismissed claims that Nyesom Wike is the national leader of the PDP, noting that leadership perceptions vary within political parties.

“Did I say that? People are free to believe who their leader is.”

“Even within parties, some people believe in certain leaders, others do not.”

Beyond rhetoric, political developments in Jigawa appear to support Lamido’s position. Stakeholders say the PDP’s deep-rooted structure and grassroots appeal continue to give it a commanding edge in the state.

“Jigawa is the heart of PDP in northern Nigeria today. PDP is still very strong in Jigawa.”

Recent cracks within the All Progressives Congress (APC) have further strengthened that narrative, with reports of mass resignations and internal discontent.

“People have left APC in the last three days in droves… the party they are looking for is PDP.”
In the past few days, several key figures associated with the APC in the state have reportedly stepped down from their positions, pointing to growing internal dissatisfaction. Among them are former aides and party stalwarts, including Bala Usman Chamo, Muhammed Sabo Yankoli, Hon. Jamilu Uwais Xaki, Alhaji Auwal Sasani, Aminu Salle Illalla, and Hassan Musa Namadeena.”They have not joined yet, but they have all resigned. And the only alternative they see is PDP.”

Analysts say the trend points to weakening cohesion within the APC.

“The way people are leaving APC shows something is wrong… it suggests the leadership is losing control.”

The PDP’s enduring institutional base in Jigawa—spanning the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assembly—remains a key advantage.

“PDP has structure in the state… people fall back to that structure.”
This, combined with the influence of established political figures like Lamido and former governor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, continues to shape the state’s political calculations.

“Lamido is a force to reckon with—whether you like it or not.”

“If anybody wants to capture Jigawa, they must reckon with Lamido and Badaru… that’s the reality.”
Observers say this structural strength is fueling renewed confidence within the PDP.

“PDP is becoming stronger, and that is where the tension is coming from.”
At a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Dutse, Lamido reinforced the party’s unity and readiness for the electoral contest ahead.

“We are not going anywhere. We will remain in PDP.”

“Everybody will contest—from State Assembly to President—under PDP. No shaking.”
He also urged members to remain law-abiding and politically active, particularly in the ongoing voter registration exercise.

“INEC has spoken. Our duty is to obey the law… go and revalidate your voter cards.”
“Don’t complain, don’t give excuses—prepare for the election.”He further directed members to participate in the party’s digital membership registration, describing it as a reaffirmation of loyalty.

“Go and register. It shows clearly—we are in PDP, and we are staying in PDP.”

With defections rocking rival ranks and no clear alternative platform commanding similar structure, the PDP in Jigawa appears not only stable but increasingly consolidated. For Lamido and his supporters, the message is clear and consistent:
“I am not going to any political house owned by somebody else. I am from a political home.”
The former governor also took a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress, describing the wave of defections and realignments as signs of instability, while maintaining that the PDP remains the most viable platform for democratic consolidation.
Using a metaphor to underscore his point on governance, Lamido said:

“If a vehicle is not working, you don’t blame the passengers—you blame the driver.”
As the countdown to 2027 begins, that sense of “home” may prove to be the PDP’s strongest political advantage in Jigawa.