Malam Sule Lamido, one of the founding figures of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ex-governor of Jigawa State, voiced his apprehensions regarding the current state of the party, which he contended was established to champion democracy in Nigeria. He lamented that many of the early risk-takers who formed the party during military rule are no longer active, while a handful of individuals unaware of its origination claim ownership. He urged that the existing divisions should not be allowed to persist, underlining the critical need for leaders to unify or face potential exclusion in the 2027 elections.
Lamido was asked about his perspective on the upcoming national convention of the faction led by Nyesom Wike, especially considering his legal action to halt the Ibadan convention.
"Let me clarify something. When you refer to this as the Wike faction, what about the other faction? This is my party, the PDP. A party that Wike and Turaki have no comprehension of its founding,” he stated. “When you mention a faction led by someone, they are not familiar with the roots of the PDP."
He stressed the significance of understanding that the PDP is a product of Nigerian ownership, instituted in 1998 by political leaders who comprehended the nuances of Nigeria from its independence. Leaders such as Adamu Chiroma, Alex Ekwueme, Solomon Lar, and others who, during Abacha’s regime, fought for democracy, conceived the party. "These individuals were aware of Nigeria as a nation, and I was the youngest among them," he pointed out.
"The establishment of PDP was a collective effort that transcended ideologies of radicalism, socialism, capitalism, or liberalism. It was aimed at fostering a united Nigeria, endowed by God with culture and industrious citizens capable of bettering the world if united," he added.
Lamido criticized those who were late participants in the political scene and claimed to lead factions without understanding the PDP's historical context. He indicated that the division within the party is benefiting the opposing political party, APC, drawing attention away from the PDP's foundational goals.
Regarding the resolution of factional disputes, Lamido urged for timely action, emphasizing that failure to address the situation could lead to the PDP's disbandment, especially with deadlines approaching for submitting necessary documentation to the electoral commission. He encouraged the establishment of a caretaker committee to navigate the party's challenges effectively.
He expressed disappointment over the Ibadan convention, which was ultimately annulled, highlighting that its key organizers have since defected to APC, leaving the party's direction uncertain. He reiterated that the party must prioritize reconciliation and collective focus on broader national goals rather than individual factional interests.
As he reflected on the ongoing disunity, Lamido cautioned that if the party does not address its internal conflicts soon, it risks jeopardizing its future in the forthcoming elections, where accountability is paramount. He insisted on the need for collective leadership that embraces all factions for a renewed and unified PDP.
When questioned about his involvement in leadership roles amidst the crisis, Lamido indicated that he had been approached to contend for the chairmanship but now feels it is better to step back due to the prevailing bitterness. However, he remains hopeful that if the current factions can meet and reconcile, the party could still present a strong candidate ahead of the elections.
He concluded by underscoring the necessity for the PDP to uphold its zoning arrangements to foster inclusivity and mitigate divisions, ensuring that the party emerges unified to contest effectively in future elections.
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!