Be building blocks for new Nigeria, Lamido charges five PDP guber candidates

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State, Professor Isah Ali Pantami, alongside the party’s governorship candidates for Bauchi, Kano, and Yobe states, on Friday paid a courtesy visit to former Jigawa State Governor and PDP founding member, Sule Lamido, at his residence in Bamaina village.

Pantami said the visit was aimed at seeking the blessings, guidance, and wise counsel of Lamido, whom he described as an elder statesman and one of the founding fathers of the PDP.

According to him, consulting elders remains an important political tradition that enables younger leaders to benefit from their wealth of experience.

“We are in Jigawa State to pay homage to one of our elders and leaders, His Excellency Sule Lamido. It is our tradition to visit our elders, wish them well and seek their words of wisdom because the words of elders are always words of wisdom,” Pantami said.

The former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy commended Lamido for what he described as his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the masses during his administration between 2007 and 2015.

He noted that the former governor’s policies reflected the ideals of the late Aminu Kano, particularly his emphasis on social justice and the protection of ordinary people.

Pantami also praised Lamido for consistently speaking truth to those in authority, regardless of public opinion.

“One of the qualities I admire in him is his courage to speak the truth to power. Whether people agree or disagree, he always expresses what he believes is right. Such independence of mind is worthy of emulation,” he added.

Responding, Lamido urged the governorship candidates to see themselves as the “building blocks” for rebuilding Nigeria, stressing that the country’s future rests on committed and visionary younger leaders.

He said political parties should present credible candidates capable of laying a solid foundation for national development.

“Nigeria needs a new foundation, and that foundation must be built by younger leaders who have commitment, passion and the courage to protect the country’s reputation. Whoever emerges victorious should govern in the interest of all Nigerians,” Lamido said.

The PDP chieftain also advised the candidates to conduct issue-based campaigns rather than attacking their opponents personally.

According to him, the focus of the 2027 electioneering should be on addressing the nation’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship, corruption, and national unity.

“We must restore decency to our politics. Campaigns should centre on policies and programmes, not personalities or insults. Nigerians deserve to hear what each party intends to do differently to improve their lives,” Lamido said.

He maintained that whoever wins the election would ultimately govern all Nigerians and should therefore promote unity, respect, and national cohesion throughout the campaign period.