SULE LAMIDO AND THE PDP CHAIRMANSHIP TUSSLE: Reward for Loyalty or the Politics of Karma?
By Ahmed Ilallah
For years, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been struggling to regain its footing as a dominant political force in Nigeria. The exodus of many of its founding members and key leaders to rival parties has weakened its structure and morale. However, the forthcoming national convention scheduled for November presents a fresh opportunity for renewal, though not without its own internal tensions.
After zoning the position of National Chairman to the Northwest, reports emerged that PDP governors had settled on a consensus candidate, the former Minister of Special Duties, Hon. Tanimu Adamu Turaki (SAN), over two other prominent contenders: former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi, and former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido.
This development has raised crucial questions: Why is the PDP leadership seemingly reluctant to allow a figure like Sule Lamido, one of the party’s last remaining founding members, to steer the party at this critical moment? Why was he denied the opportunity to even obtain the nomination form despite expressing a clear interest in contesting?
It is worth noting that Sule Lamido stands today as one of the most loyal and consistent members of the PDP. Unlike many others, he has never defected or wavered in his allegiance, even during the party’s most turbulent years. With his wealth of political experience and deep understanding of the PDP’s ideology and structure, many believe he remains one of the few capable of leading the party’s revival.
Lamido’s reported frustration and threat of legal action following his inability to secure the nomination form have further deepened the controversy. His supporters view the development as a betrayal, a disregard for loyalty and legacy within a party that once prided itself on rewarding commitment and principle.
Yet, to others, this moment reflects the politics of karma. During his time as governor, Lamido was also accused of manipulating party structures and imposing loyalists in internal elections, particularly during the PDP congresses in Jigawa State. Those actions reportedly led to grievances and defections of some members to other parties such as the APC, ADC, and ANPP.
Now, the same political maneuvering that once benefited him might be working against him.
In the end, the unfolding tussle over the PDP chairmanship raises deeper questions about the party’s internal democracy, its culture of reward, and its willingness to embrace true reform. Is the treatment of Sule Lamido a punishment for his past actions, or simply a reflection of how far the PDP has strayed from its founding ideals?
Whatever the outcome, one truth stands clear: the PDP cannot afford to continue sidelining experienced, loyal, and principled figures if it truly seeks redemption and relevance in Nigeria’s political future.
alhajilallah@gmail.com
