Former Governor of Jigawa State and elder statesman, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has issued a stern warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, cautioning that continued reliance on authoritarian tactics to suppress dissent and manipulate democratic institutions could lead to his political downfall.
Speaking at a public policy forum in Abuja over the weekend, Lamido criticized what he described as the “increasingly autocratic posture” of the current administration, highlighting recent crackdowns on opposition voices, curtailing of press freedoms, and the politicization of law enforcement agencies.
“Power must be tempered with justice and humility,” Lamido said. “No leader who silences the people and undermines democracy survives in history with dignity. Authoritarianism may provide short-term control, but it always leads to long-term instability and disgrace.”
Lamido, a prominent figure in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and a vocal critic of President Tinubu’s leadership style, emphasized the importance of inclusive governance, adherence to constitutional principles, and respect for democratic norms. He urged Tinubu to prioritize dialogue over coercion and to steer the country away from “a dangerous descent into one-man rule.”
The former governor also called on civil society, lawmakers, and the judiciary to remain vigilant and defend Nigeria’s democratic integrity. “Nigeria belongs to all of us—not to one man, one party, or one region,” he stated.
The warning comes amid rising concerns from various quarters about the Tinubu administration’s handling of national security, the economy, and governance, with critics pointing to what they see as a shrinking civic space and growing intolerance for opposition.