Ex-Jigawa PDP chairmen urge Lamido to seek new political platform amid party crisis

The forum of former local government chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jigawa State has criticised the party’s national leadership for allegedly sidelining former Governor Sule Lamido and blocking him from contesting for the position of national chairman.

The forum stated its position in a communiqué issued after its meeting at the PDP state secretariat. 

The statement, signed by its chairman, Hon. Ali Idris Diginsa, expressed concern over what it described as the party’s deepening internal crisis and the leadership’s failure to resolve long-standing disputes.

According to the communiqué, the recent confrontation between Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja was “shameful and embarrassing,” further exposing the party’s weakened state.

“The PDP is no longer a formidable national platform due to persistent divisions, distrust and unending rancour among its members,” the forum stated.

The former chairmen reaffirmed their loyalty to Lamido, describing him as a consistent party loyalist and a steadfast political figure whose pedigree spans decades—from his activism in the PRP youth wing, to his election to the House of Representatives in 1997, to his leadership roles in the SDP, where he served as national secretary during the 1992 Abiola presidential victory.

They noted that Lamido remains the only surviving member of the historic G9 and G18 groups who has never abandoned the PDP, even at the height of the Buhari political wave in the North.

The forum said it has mandated Lamido to “seek a viable political platform” that would allow his followers to pursue “the dream of a greater Jigawa and Nigeria,” insisting that they trust his judgement and leadership.

They also urged the Jigawa State PDP leadership to facilitate an immediate meeting with Lamido so the group can formally present its position.

The communiqué ended with a pledge of unwavering loyalty to the former governor: “Wherever he goes, we will follow.”