By Chidimma Okwara,
The internal crisis rocking the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated as former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has publicly threatened to seek redress in court after being unable to obtain the nomination form to contest for the party’s National Chairman position.
Lamido’s attempt to purchase the form on Monday at the PDP National Headquarters in Abuja proved unsuccessful, a development the party stalwart described as unacceptable and a violation of the party’s democratic principles.
Lamido, who arrived at the PDP’s Wadata Plaza with his supporters, found key offices, including that of the National Organising Secretary (NOS), Umaru Bature, locked. He revealed that he had spoken with both the NOS and the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, both of whom claimed they were unaware of where the forms were being sold or how they were printed.
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The former Governor expressed surprise that the custodians of the party’s election system were unable to provide him with access to the forms. While the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), chaired by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, is reportedly operating from a different location (Legacy House), Lamido maintained that the forms should be accessible at the party headquarters, based on PDP tradition.
“I came here to purchase my own form. That’s why I’m here. I went to the office of the National Organising Secretary… and the office was locked,” Lamido told journalists.
Failing to acquire the necessary documents for the forthcoming National Convention slated for November 15-16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Lamido issued an ultimatum.
“If I don’t get the form, I will go to court, simple,” he declared.
Lamido emphasized that the party must demonstrate the capacity to organize itself according to its own constitution and procedures if it hopes to win future elections. His move highlights the deep rifts within the party, particularly around the National Chairman position, which was recently zoned to the North following a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting where the 2027 presidential ticket was zoned to the South.
Lamido’s threat to approach the judiciary is seen as a direct challenge to any consensus arrangement reportedly being pushed by powerful stakeholders, including some governors, which he claims were reached without proper consultation. He stressed that a lack of internal discipline and adherence to the rule of law within the party would undermine its mission to “rescue Nigeria.”
