Jigawa PDP Kicks Against Lamido’s Suspension, Calls It Unjust, Vindictive
By: Ahmed Aminu, Dutse
The Jigawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed shock and deep disappointment over the suspension of former Jigawa State Governor and founding member of the party, Alhaji Sule Lamido from the activities of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT).
The party described the action as unjust, prejudicial and a clear contradiction of the PDP’s avowed commitment to reconciliation, internal democracy and respect for the rule of law.
This position was made known in a press statement issued and personally signed by the Jigawa State PDP Chairman, Dr Babandi Ibrahim Gumel, and made available to The Syndicate in Dutse, the state capital.
According to the statement, the suspension, reportedly hinged on allegations that Lamido attended meetings capable of undermining party unity, was a direct affront to justice and the democratic principles upon which the PDP was founded.
The party maintained that the exercise of legal and constitutional rights by any member cannot be misconstrued as an act of disloyalty or disunity.
Dr Gumel explained that Lamido had approached the court after being denied the opportunity to obtain a nomination form to contest for the position of National Chairman of the party.
He noted that the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, found merit in Lamido’s application and consequently restrained the PDP from proceeding with its national convention until his right to contest was determined.
The Jigawa PDP argued that the suspension appeared to be a punitive response to Lamido’s decision to seek legal redress over an action already declared questionable by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The statement further described the decision of the BoT as ironic, coming shortly after public assurances by the BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, who had called for reconciliation, admitted past mistakes and appealed to aggrieved members to return to the PDP fold.
Senator Wabara, the statement recalled, had urged members to “sheath their swords” in the interest of party unity, stressing that the PDP must not be divided.
The Jigawa chapter said suspending a founding member for asserting his rights runs contrary to this professed spirit of reconciliation and healing.
Outlining its position, the party stated that the suspension was premature and prejudicial, particularly as the matter was still before the courts, adding that such action amounted to pre-judgment and disrespect for the judicial process.
It also described Lamido as one of the few founding fathers of the PDP who had remained unwaveringly loyal to the party, having never defected to another political platform.
According to the statement, punishing such loyalty sends a dangerous signal to committed party members and undermines the morale of those who have stood by the PDP through difficult times.
The Jigawa PDP further warned that the suspension deepens internal divisions at a time when the party should be strengthening unity to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party stressed that inclusion, not exclusion, is the pathway to rebuilding the PDP and restoring public confidence.
It also argued that there is no provision in the PDP constitution that empowers the suspension of a “life member,” insisting that the action was unconstitutional.
Consequently, the Jigawa State PDP strongly condemned the suspension, describing it as unjustified, vindictive and counterproductive to the party’s goals of unity and reconciliation.
The party called on the Board of Trustees to immediately and unconditionally withdraw the suspension imposed on Alhaji Sule Lamido.
It further demanded that the BoT publicly affirm the right of every PDP member to aspire to leadership positions in line with the party’s constitution and the laws of Nigeria, without fear of victimisation.
The statement urged the BoT to retrace its steps, align its actions with its reconciliatory pronouncements and tender an apology to Lamido.
He reaffirmed the Jigawa PDP’s commitment to a strong, united and democratic Peoples Democratic Party that respects the rule of law and the dignity of all its members.
