Lamido Urges PDP Unity Behind Wike’s Caretaker Committee

Sule Lamido, a founding member of Nigeria’s main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former governor of Jigawa State, has urged party members to accept the caretaker committee structure proposed by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, framing it as essential for the party’s recovery.

Lamido made the appeal during a Ramadan Iftar gathering with PDP officials and members in his hometown of Bamaina, Jigawa State. He emphasized that healing internal divisions and fostering unity were critical to rebuilding the party’s strength.

The caretaker committee, championed by Wike, emerged in the wake of the expiration of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) term. Lamido characterized Wike as a politically astute figure who recognized the resulting leadership vacuum and acted decisively. “Wike is someone who is really, really clever. I think he realised everything and managed to form a caretaker committee. By the time the existing NWC term ended, the only structure in place was the one backed by Wike,” Lamido stated.

Despite acknowledging existing disagreements within the party, Lamido argued that all factions must engage inclusively. He specifically called for dialogue with Wike and other key stakeholders, regardless of personal feelings. “Even though many people might not like Wike or may disagree with him, we should still invite him in the spirit of Nigeria, in the spirit of brotherhood and PDP unity, and in the spirit of reconciliation,” he said.

The PDP has faced significant internal crises and electoral setbacks in recent years, culminating in the NWC’s dissolution. Wike’s faction subsequently installed the caretaker committee to oversee party affairs ahead of national convention plans, a move that has been contested by other powerful blocs. Lamido’s intervention highlights the ongoing struggle to reconcile these factions ahead of future elections.

By advocating for acceptance of Wike’s interim leadership framework, Lamido is positioning unity as the paramount goal. His stance suggests that the party’s immediate survival depends on consolidating around an existing structure, however contentious, to prevent further fragmentation. The success of this reconciliation effort will determine the PDP’s cohesion and its capacity to present a formidable challenge in Nigeria’s political landscape.