A former Nigerian governor, Sule Lamido, has taken a bold stance against certain members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), vowing to boycott all party meetings until key figures are expelled. Specifically, Lamido is calling for the removal of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and former Benue State governor Samuel Ortom, citing their actions as detrimental to the party’s interests.
In a recent interview, Lamido expressed his dismay at the lack of discipline within the party, recalling his time as national secretary of the Social Democratic Party. He emphasized that during his tenure, the party was respected and its authority was supreme, with anyone crossing the party line facing sanctions. In contrast, he believes that today, individuals like Wike, who claim to love the PDP but openly work against it, are being tolerated.
Lamido’s frustration stems from the fact that Wike, who was brought into political relevance by the PDP, is now actively undermining the party. He described Wike’s actions as “un-African and un-Nigerian,” highlighting the importance of prioritizing collective good over personal ambition. The former governor also criticized Wike’s claim of financing the party, likening it to a son taking care of his mother and expecting her to submit to his orders in return.
The elder statesman’s dissatisfaction extends to the party’s Board of Trustees (BOT), where individuals like Ortom, who declared support for a rival candidate in 2023, still hold membership. Lamido questioned how he could sit with such individuals to discuss the party’s future, labeling them as “impostors.” He remains a PDP member but has refused to participate in party functions or attend meetings until Wike and Ortom are removed from their positions.
Lamido’s comments come after Wike’s attempts to seal the PDP secretariat, which he sees as an act of destroying one’s own home. However, he expressed gratitude that President Tinubu intervened, ordering the reopening of the office. This move, according to Lamido, has exposed Wike’s true intentions and lack of tradition, making it likely that even Tinubu will abandon him soon.
As the PDP navigates its internal conflicts, Lamido’s stance serves as a reminder of the importance of party discipline and the need for members to prioritize the collective good. With the former governor refusing to back down, it remains to be seen how the party will respond to his demands and address the underlying issues threatening its unity.
