Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has alleged that governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thwarted his attempt to contest the party’s national chairmanship. In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Lamido claimed that the governors denied him a nomination form and disregarded a court order instructing the party to allow him to run.

According to Lamido, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, personally requested that he step down from the contest. Mohammed allegedly expressed concerns that Lamido would be too independent if elected chairman. Lamido recalled responding by highlighting the party’s history and emphasizing that it should not be controlled by a single individual.

Despite obtaining a court order compelling the PDP to include him in the race, the governors refused to comply and instead filed an appeal. Lamido has rejected the leadership that emerged from the recent convention, where Tanimu Turaki was named national chairman, describing the process as unacceptable and “null and void.”

The former governor has called on senior stakeholders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to intervene and help reorganize the PDP. He emphasized the need for the party to return to its founding values to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and development. Lamido’s allegations and rejection of the current leadership have significant implications for the PDP’s future and its role in Nigerian politics.

The PDP has faced internal conflicts and power struggles in recent years, which have affected its ability to effectively oppose the ruling party. The party’s national chairmanship election was seen as an opportunity for the PDP to rebrand and reposition itself ahead of future elections. However, Lamido’s claims of interference by governors and the disregard for court orders have raised concerns about the party’s commitment to democratic principles and internal democracy.

As the PDP navigates this challenging period, it remains to be seen how the party will address Lamido’s allegations and move forward. The outcome of this situation will likely have significant implications for the party’s future and its ability to play a meaningful role in Nigerian politics.