Tension is rising in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of its national convention set for November 15–16 in Ibadan.
Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has threatened to take the party to court after he was denied a nomination form to contest for the position of National Chairman.
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Lamido arrived at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja around 11 a.m. on Monday with his supporters to buy the form. However, he was unable to do so because key offices were locked and the officials in charge were not available.
Speaking to reporters, a disappointed Lamido accused the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, of being involved in what he called a deliberate plan to stop him.
“I came to buy my form because, by our party rules, forms are sold at the headquarters,” Lamido said. “But the office was locked, and when I met the officials, they claimed they didn’t know where the forms were or who was selling them.”
He described the situation as strange and said it was wrong for the party’s own organising secretary to be left out of the process.
This issue comes after the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on August 25, where it was agreed that the 2027 presidential ticket would go to the South, while the National Chairmanship position would go to the North.
Later, northern PDP leaders met in Abuja and decided to give the position to the North-West, reportedly choosing former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as a consensus candidate. This move was said to be led by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State and other northern governors.
But Lamido and his supporters rejected the consensus arrangement, calling it undemocratic.
“Consensus only works if there are consultations. None took place,” Lamido said. “The North-West zone, which I represent, didn’t meet. Another group fixed their own meeting earlier and imposed their choice.”
There are also reports that FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is supporting former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom for the same chairmanship position, deepening the crisis in the party.
Lamido said he only wants to strengthen and stabilise the PDP before the 2027 elections, but accused some leaders of hijacking NEC powers.
“Any change in dates or procedures must be approved by NEC, but some individuals are now acting on their own,” he said. “If I don’t get the form, I will go to court.”
Despite his anger, Lamido said his main aim is to restore order and democracy in the PDP.
“PDP is one family. Our real opponents are outside — the APC,” he said. “But to defeat them, we must be organised and follow our constitution.”
He added that he might contact the Convention Organising Committee, which is being chaired by Governor Fintiri, to see if he can get the form directly from them.