Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has clarified that he does not support the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) associated with former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, amid ongoing internal disputes within the party. He also dismissed plans by the Wike-backed group to hold a national convention.
Speaking during an interview, Lamido stressed that his primary concern is the unity and survival of the PDP rather than allegiance to any individual or faction. He stated that his earlier calls for stakeholders to support a caretaker structure should not be interpreted as backing Wike.
Lamido questioned the characterization of divisions within the party as being between factions led by specific individuals. He argued that such labels diminish the broader identity and history of the PDP, which he described as a collective national project rather than a platform owned by any one group.
He further downplayed the significance of Wike and former Minister Taminu Turaki in the historical development of the party. According to him, both figures were not part of the PDP’s founding process and therefore should not be central to narratives about its direction or identity.
The former governor traced the origins of the PDP to 1998, highlighting the role played by prominent political leaders and pro-democracy figures. He listed individuals such as Adamu Chiroma, Alex Ekwueme, Solomon Lar, Bola Ige, Iyorchia Ayu, Abubakar Rimi, and Jerry Gana as key contributors to the party’s formation.
Lamido described the PDP as a coalition of diverse political ideologies, bringing together various strands of Nigeria’s political landscape into a unified platform. He said the party was built on a shared vision of national unity and development rather than narrow political interests.
He emphasized that the PDP was created during a critical period in Nigeria’s history, when political actors came together to push for democratic governance. According to him, this legacy should remain central to how current members approach internal disagreements.
Addressing the ongoing crisis, Lamido warned that persistent infighting within the party is weakening its ability to function effectively as an opposition force. He expressed concern that such divisions ultimately benefit the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He noted that the hostility, disagreements, and personal conflicts among PDP members are distracting from the party’s broader objective of winning elections and providing credible leadership. He stressed that unity is essential if the party hopes to regain political strength.
Lamido reiterated that his stance is focused on preserving the PDP as an institution. He maintained that his position should not be misconstrued as support for any individual, including Wike.
He also pointed out that many current political actors within the party have benefited from its platform, urging them to prioritize its stability over personal ambitions. According to him, continued internal strife risks undermining the party’s relevance.
The former governor concluded by warning that the more the PDP remains divided, the stronger its political opponents become. He called on party members to set aside their differences and work collectively toward rebuilding cohesion ahead of future elections.
