Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has hit back at Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, accusing him of hypocrisy over past corruption allegations.
In an interview with DCL Hausa, Lamido recalled that Malami had initiated legal proceedings against him during his time as minister, publicly branding him a thief.
But the former governor questioned the basis of that accusation, pointing to what he described as a clear difference in their personal wealth.
“When Abubakar Malami was Minister of Justice, he took me to court and accused me of being a thief,” Lamido said. “But today, it is clear that what he owns, I do not own. Do I have a hotel in Birnin Kudu or houses in Abuja?”
His comments reopen a long-standing feud between the two politicians, which dates back to Malami’s tenure in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Lamido Defends Staying in PDP
The former governor also responded to critics who have questioned why he remains in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite the party’s internal crises and his ongoing legal battles.
He dismissed the calls for him to leave, arguing that he is being held to a different standard than others.
“Why is there concern because I have not left the PDP?” he asked. “Many PDP members maintain relationships with politicians in other parties, especially the APC, and nobody questions them.”
Lamido pointed to the political movements of former Kano State governor Ibrahim Shekarau, as well as meetings involving President Bola Tinubu, as examples of behaviour that goes without scrutiny.
“If Shekarau visits Tinubu, it is not considered news. Party leaders and governors are doing the same. Yet, when it comes to me, it becomes an issue,” he said.
However, he left the door open to working with other political groups. “I am still in the PDP, but if I see another party whose ideology aligns with mine, we can form an alliance and work together,” he stated.
Corruption Case Politically Motivated, Says Lamido
Lamido also expressed frustration over the long-running corruption case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“It has been 10 years, and I am still in court. This started during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan,” he said.
The former governor alleged that the case was politically motivated from the start, claiming it was designed to block his presidential ambition.
“Jonathan started this allegation because he heard I wanted to contest. It was to stop me,” he alleged.
On PDP Divisions and Wike
Turning to the internal divisions within the PDP, particularly surrounding the influence of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Lamido insisted that his position is guided by principle rather than personal interest.
“There is self-interest, and there is truth. I stand for the truth,” he said.
He added: “The question is: where does the PDP stand legally and in the eyes of the electoral body? That is where I stand, as a PDP member.”
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