The Jigawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the suspension of a former governor of the state and one of the party’s founding fathers, Alhaji Sule Lamido, describing the action as unfair, divisive, and against the principles of justice and unity within the party.
The state chairman of the party, Dr Babandi Ibrahim Gumel, made the party’s position known in a statement signed and released to journalists on Saturday. The statement said the Jigawa PDP received news of Lamido’s suspension by the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) with “profound shock and disappointment.”
Alhaji Sule Lamido is a well-known figure in Nigerian politics. He served as the Governor of Jigawa State from 2007 to 2015 and has held several national positions, including Minister of Foreign Affairs. He is also regarded as one of the founding members of the PDP, which was formed in 1998.
According to the statement, the party strongly believes that the suspension of Lamido is unjust, vindictive, and harmful to party unity at a critical time when the PDP is trying to rebuild itself and regain national strength.
The PDP BoT reportedly suspended Lamido over allegations that he attended meetings capable of undermining the unity of the party. However, the Jigawa PDP dismissed this claim, saying that exercising one’s legal and constitutional rights within the party should not be seen as an act of disloyalty.
“The suspension of Alhaji Sule Lamido is an affront to justice, internal democracy, and the reconciliation efforts currently being championed by the PDP leadership,” the statement said.
The party recalled that Lamido had earlier approached the court after he was allegedly denied the opportunity to purchase a nomination form to contest for the position of National Chairman of the PDP. According to the Jigawa PDP, Lamido’s decision to seek legal redress was a legitimate step aimed at protecting his rights within the party.
The statement further explained that the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, ruled in Lamido’s favour. The court restrained the PDP from proceeding with its national convention until Lamido’s right to contest the chairmanship position was determined.
Based on this development, the Jigawa PDP argued that the suspension appeared to be a punishment for Lamido’s decision to go to court, even after the court had found merit in his case.
“The suspension seems to be a punitive action against a respected party leader for seeking justice through the courts,” the statement added.
The party also expressed concern that the decision of the BoT contradicts recent public statements made by its chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara. Wabara had recently emphasised the need for reconciliation within the PDP, admitted past mistakes, and called on aggrieved members to return fully to the party fold.
According to the Jigawa PDP, suspending a founding member who has consistently remained loyal to the party goes against the spirit of reconciliation and healing that the party leadership claims to be promoting.
Dr Gumel described the suspension as premature and prejudicial, noting that the matter involving Lamido is still before the court. He warned that taking disciplinary action while a legal process is ongoing undermines fairness and due process.
The chairman also praised Lamido’s long-standing loyalty to the PDP, pointing out that he is one of the few founding members who have never defected to another political party, despite political challenges and disagreements over the years.
“Punishing such loyalty sends a wrong and dangerous message to other committed members of the party,” the statement said.
The Jigawa PDP further argued that the suspension weakens the party at a time when unity is most needed. According to the party, the PDP must remain united and focused if it hopes to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in future elections.
Nigeria’s main opposition party has faced internal crises in recent years, including leadership disputes, defections, and legal battles. Many party leaders have repeatedly called for unity, reconciliation, and internal democracy as the PDP works to reposition itself ahead of future elections.
The Jigawa PDP warned that actions such as Lamido’s suspension could deepen internal divisions and discourage members who have remained faithful to the party despite difficult times.
The party also raised a constitutional issue, insisting that there is no provision in the PDP constitution that allows for the suspension of a “life member.” According to the Jigawa chapter, Lamido’s status as a founding member and life member of the party should have been considered before any disciplinary action was taken.
In its demands, the Jigawa PDP called on the Board of Trustees to immediately and unconditionally withdraw the suspension of Alhaji Sule Lamido.
The party also demanded that the BoT publicly reaffirm the right of all PDP members to aspire to leadership positions at all levels, in line with the party’s constitution and the laws of the country, without fear of intimidation or victimisation.
In addition, the party urged the BoT to retrace its steps, align its actions with the reconciliation agenda it has been preaching, and tender a public apology to Lamido for the embarrassment caused by the suspension.
“The PDP must practise what it preaches. Reconciliation, unity, and justice must be reflected not only in words but in actions,” the statement said.
The Jigawa PDP concluded by reaffirming its commitment to a united, democratic, and law-abiding Peoples Democratic Party. It stressed that only a united PDP can regain the confidence of Nigerians and provide a strong alternative to the ruling party.
As the controversy continues, many party members and observers are watching closely to see how the PDP leadership will handle the situation, especially as the party prepares for future political contests.
