By Abiola Olawale
The internal strife gripping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has continued to escalate, as former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido threatened to sue the party after being allegedly denied the opportunity to purchase the nomination form for the upcoming National Chairmanship contest.
The development comes just weeks ahead of the National Convention slated for November 15-16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Lamido, a chieftain of the party, arrived at the PDP National Headquarters, Wadata Plaza in Abuja, on Monday morning with the intent to procure the form.
However, he claimed that to his shock, key offices, including that of the National Organizing Secretary, Umar Bature, were locked, and party officials claimed ignorance of the forms’ whereabouts or sale process.
Speaking to journalists outside the secretariat, Lamido described the situation as “strange and embarrassing,” alleging that the party’s administrative structures appear to be compromised or controlled by a select few.
“I went to the office of the national organising secretary, which is normally where the forms are sold, and the office was locked,” he said.
“I met him with the secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and both of them said they had no idea where the forms were or even how they were printed. So, I found it a little weird that the custodian of the system is also being locked out.”
Lamido said he was later told that the forms were now under the control of Ahmadu Fintiri, governor of Adamawa and chairman of the party’s national convention organising committee (NCOC).
“So, for me to buy the form, I have to go to Adamawa? If I don’t get the form, I’ll go to court. Simple,” he said.
The former governor described the situation as “unfortunate”, noting that the PDP should not be seen to be operating in secrecy or sidelining its members.
He dismissed questions that he had been rejected by some governors over alleged links with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“Where were they when we fought for the party all through the last 25 years? Don’t bring up divisive issues. I don’t want to lose my composure. They met me in the PDP — all of them,” he said.
Lamido also criticised the “growing disregard for internal party procedures”, warning that the PDP risks weakening its internal democracy ahead of the 2027 general election.
“The PDP should be able to organise its own house. The only way we can win is by having a disciplined party. If we don’t follow our constitution and procedures, how do we win elections?” Lamido asked.
