The Jigawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticised the suspension of former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, from the activities of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), describing the action as unfair and damaging to party unity.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the party’s state chairman, Dr. Babandi Ibrahim Gumel, the Jigawa PDP said it was shocked by the decision, which it labelled “unjust, vindictive and counterproductive.” The chapter argued that Lamido’s actions, which reportedly led to the suspension, were carried out within the bounds of the law and the party’s constitution.
Lamido, a founding member of the PDP, had approached the court after he was denied a nomination form to contest the position of PDP National Chairman. The Federal High Court in Abuja subsequently restrained the party from holding its national convention pending the determination of his right to contest.
According to the statement, suspending a long-standing party leader for seeking legal redress undermines internal democracy and contradicts the reconciliation efforts recently promoted by the BoT. The Jigawa PDP warned that such actions could discourage loyal members and further deepen divisions within the party at a time when unity is crucial to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The state chapter therefore called on the PDP BoT to immediately reverse Lamido’s suspension and publicly reaffirm the right of all members to freely pursue leadership positions without intimidation or victimisation.
“The PDP must uphold the rule of law, respect internal democracy and protect the dignity of its members,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Lamido recently stated that he would consider negotiating the future of his political structure through an alliance with another party if the crisis within the PDP persists. However, he ruled out any form of alliance with the coalition party.
Speaking to PDP supporters at his Kano political office, Lamido lamented the ongoing leadership crisis at the national level, which party leaders in Jigawa say has contributed significantly to the wave of defections weakening the PDP across the country.
