Former Jigawa State Governor and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Sule Lamido, has urged party stakeholders to embrace the caretaker structure backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in a bid to restore stability.
Lamido made the appeal while addressing journalists during a Ramadan Iftar hosted for PDP executives and members in his hometown, Bamaina.
Describing Wike as a “politically shrewd” figure, Lamido noted that the Minister effectively capitalized on the leadership vacuum created when the tenure of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) expired without a clear succession plan.
“Wike is someone who is very, very shrewd. I think he saw through the situation and was able to facilitate a caretaker committee,” Lamido said. “By the time the tenure of the existing NWC elapsed, the only structure available was the one supported by Wike.”
The former governor stressed that despite internal friction, the party must adopt a pragmatic approach to survive. He called for an inclusive dialogue that includes the FCT Minister to safeguard the party’s future.
“Even though many of us may not like Wike or may be in disagreement with him, we must invite him in the spirit of Nigeria, the spirit of brotherhood, and the spirit of reconciliation,” he added.
Lamido expressed concern that previous warnings regarding the need for a stabilizing structure ahead of the NWC’s expiration were ignored, leading to the current crisis. He warned that continued internal strife and high-profile defections could have dire consequences under Nigeria’s electoral laws.
“If we do not unite and put our house in order, the time constraints in the electoral law may prevent the party from properly preparing for future elections,” he cautioned.
Reflecting on the significance of the holy month of Ramadan, Lamido noted that the season offers a timely opportunity for reflection and forgiveness. He urged leaders to set aside personal grievances for the sake of the institution.
“The PDP belongs to all of us. It is a collective institution that made many of us who we are today, and we must ensure its survival,” Lamido said. “Our duty now is to protect the heritage of the PDP and ensure the party continues to serve Nigerians.”
He concluded by praying for national peace and security, urging the party’s rank and file to prioritize unity to prevent the total collapse of the country’s main opposition platform.
