By: Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Forum of Former Local Government Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jigawa State has criticised the party’s national leadership for allegedly sidelining former Governor Sule Lamido and preventing him from contesting for the position of national chairman.
The forum made its position known in a communiqué issued after its meeting held at the PDP state secretariat. The statement, signed by its chairman, Hon. Ali Idris Diginsa, and made available to Truths Finder expressed concern over what it described as the party’s deepening internal crisis and the leadership’s failure to resolve lingering disputes.
According to the communiqué, the recent confrontation between Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja was “shameful and embarrassing,” further exposing the weakened state of the party.
“The PDP is no longer a formidable national platform due to persistent divisions, distrust and unending rancour among its members,” the forum stated.
The former chairmen affirmed their loyalty to Lamido, describing him as a consistent party man and a steadfast political leader whose pedigree spans decades—from his activism in the PRP youth wing, to his election to the House of Representatives in 1997, to his leadership roles in the SDP, including serving as national secretary during the 1992 Abiola presidential victory.
They noted that Lamido remains the only surviving member of the historic G9 and G18 groups who has never abandoned the PDP, even during the height of the Buhari political wave in the North.
The forum said it has mandated Lamido to “seek a viable political platform” that would allow his followers to pursue “the dream of a greater Jigawa and Nigeria,” insisting that they trust his judgement and leadership.
They also called on the Jigawa State PDP leadership to immediately facilitate a meeting with Lamido so the group can formally present its position.
The communiqué concluded with a pledge of unwavering loyalty to the former governor: “Wherever he goes, we will follow.”
