Former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido has publicly accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of APC using Lamido name to win sympathy in the state as the 2027 general elections loom. Speaking at a press briefing in Dutse on Tuesday, Lamido said the party’s recent campaign tactics, including Vice‑President Kashim Shettima’s remarks at an APC rally, were designed to co‑opt his legacy and manipulate voters. Lamido’s allegation: APC using Lamido name as a political playbook for sympathy Lamido, who served as governor of Jigawa from 2007 to 2015, argued that the APC’s narrative is a calculated attempt to link the party with his administration’s achievements in education and agriculture. He pointed out that the party’s rally in Kano featured Shettima invoking “the spirit of progress that Lamido started,” a line Lamido says was never consented to. According to Lamido, the strategy is not new; political parties in Nigeria have long tried to borrow the goodwill of popular figures. However, he warned that this time the move could backfire, especially among younger voters who are increasingly skeptical of “political borrowing.” Why the timing matters: 2027 elections on the horizon The 2027 general elections are set to be a decisive contest for the APC, which is looking to retain the presidency after President Bola Tinubu’s term ends in 2027. In the north‑central zone, Jigawa is a key battleground, and the party’s reliance on legacy politics could signal a lack of fresh policy proposals. Political analysts note that the APC’s focus on past achievements, rather than concrete plans for the next five years, may alienate a growing electorate that demands jobs, security and infrastructure. Lamido’s criticism arrives at a moment when opposition parties, especially the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), are rallying around younger candidates promising change. Lamido’s political background and credibility Before entering politics, Lamido was a businessman with interests in agriculture and education. His tenure as governor saw the construction of over 300 primary schools and the introduction of a rice‑production scheme that boosted local employment. These achievements have earned him a reputation as a development‑oriented leader, which is why his name carries weight in Jigawa. Since leaving office, Lamido has remained active in the PDP, serving as a senior adviser and occasionally stepping in as a campaign manager for gubernatorial candidates. His recent statements therefore carry both personal and partisan weight, adding a layer of complexity to the APC’s campaign narrative. APC’s response and the broader party dynamics When approached for comment, an APC spokesperson declined to address the specific accusation but reiterated the party’s commitment to “building on the foundations laid by all good leaders, including former governors.” The statement stopped short of confirming whether the rally’s language was approved by Lamido or his team. Inside the APC, sources say there is a split between senior members who favour a “heritage‑based” approach and younger strategists pushing for a technology‑driven agenda. The debate mirrors a larger tension across Nigerian politics: whether to rely on established figures or to embrace a new generation of leaders. Implications for voters in Jigawa and beyond For the average voter in Jigawa, the controversy may translate into a more critical assessment of campaign promises. Rural communities, which benefited from Lamido’s agricultural programmes, might question whether the APC’s rhetoric aligns with tangible development. Urban youths, meanwhile, are increasingly turning to social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) for political information. The “APC using Lamido name” narrative is already trending under local hashtags, with many users demanding transparency about the party’s use of former governors’ legacies. Regional ripple effects: Ghana, Kenya and South Africa watch While the dispute is rooted in Nigerian politics, observers in neighboring Ghana, Kenya and South Africa note that similar tactics are being employed elsewhere. In Ghana, the ruling party has invoked former president John Mahama’s name to rally support, while in Kenya, the opposition has highlighted former President Mwai Kibaki’s reforms. These parallels suggest a broader African trend where political parties leverage historical figures to sway contemporary electorates. The outcome in Jigawa could therefore serve as a case study for how effective such strategies are in the age of digital activism. What experts say: the risk of over‑reliance on nostalgia Political scientist Dr. Aisha Bello of Ahmadu Bello University cautions that over‑reliance on nostalgia can erode party credibility. “When parties start treating former governors as brand assets, they risk alienating voters who want concrete solutions today,” she explained. Similarly, a poll conducted by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) in early 2026 showed that 42% of respondents in northern Nigeria felt “political parties are using past leaders’ names without genuine endorsement.” This sentiment could influence swing voters in the upcoming elections. Looking ahead: strategies for both sides For the APC, the immediate challenge is to either secure Lamido’s explicit endorsement or to pivot away from the contested narrative. Engaging directly with Lamido’s PDP allies could open a dialogue that reduces friction and presents a united front on development issues. The PDP, on the other hand, can capitalise on the controversy by highlighting its own track record and proposing fresh policy platforms that address unemployment, security and climate‑resilient agriculture—issues that resonate strongly in Jigawa. FAQ What exactly did Sule Lamido accuse the APC of? He alleges that the party is using his name and legacy without permission to gain voter sympathy ahead of the 2027 elections. Has the APC officially responded? The party issued a generic statement about building on past leaders’ foundations but did not directly address Lamido’s claim. How might this affect the 2027 elections in Jigawa? Voters may become more skeptical of campaign rhetoric, potentially benefiting parties that present clear, forward‑looking policies. Conclusion The clash between Sule Lamido and the APC underscores a shifting political landscape in Nigeria, where legacy politics meet a digitally savvy electorate. As the 2027 general elections approach, parties will need to balance respect for past achievements with the demand for fresh, actionable agendas. Whether the APC’s use of Lamido’s name proves a strategic advantage or a misstep will likely become clearer as the campaign season intensifies. For now, the debate serves as a reminder that Nigerian voters are watching closely, and political narratives that ignore their aspirations risk being left behind. Read the full story at Vanguard Nigeria. Related Reading Shehu Sani Questions Tanko Defection: What Really Went Wrong for Obi’s Camp? 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