The internal crisis rocking the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a fresh twist Monday evening as former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, alleged that he was denied access to the nomination form for the party’s national chairmanship position.
Lamido, a founding member of the PDP, told the BBC Hausa Service monitored by our correspondent in Kaduna, that he was “practically chased away” from the party’s national secretariat in Abuja when he went to obtain the form.
“I went to the PDP headquarters to buy the chairmanship form, but the office responsible was locked. When I inquired, they told me the forms were in the custody of the Governor of Adamawa State. Are they now saying I must go to Yola to get the form?” Lamido queried.
He insisted that despite the setback, he remained committed to contesting for the national chairmanship position during the party’s convention scheduled for November in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The former Minister of Foreign Affairs also vowed to seek legal redress if the party leadership continued to block him from participating in the contest.
“I still believe this is an internal issue that can be resolved, but if it goes beyond that, I know what to do,” Lamido warned.
PDP Favouring Kabiru Turaki?
Lamido’s protest comes just days after PDP governors endorsed former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as a consensus candidate for the national chairmanship position from the North-West.
However, the decision has sparked discontent among party heavyweights in the region, many of whom have rejected the governors’ choice, arguing that due process was not followed.
Leaders of the party in Sokoto and Kebbi states have publicly distanced themselves from the endorsement, saying they were not consulted before the announcement.
Meanwhile, the PDP on Monday shared photos of Turaki purchasing and submitting his nomination form at the party’s secretariat in Abuja,a move that further deepened suspicion and anger among other aspirants.
Analysts Warn of Deepening Rift
Reacting to the development, Dr. Kabiru Sa’id Sufi, a political analyst and lecturer at the Kano State College of Education and Preliminary Studies, described the incident as a sign of deepening division within the opposition party.
“Denying Sule Lamido the chance to obtain the nomination form is a serious issue. It suggests that the internal reconciliation efforts within the PDP have failed,” he said.
According to Sufi, the current crisis may be linked to attempts by some influential blocs within and outside the PDP to control its leadership structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Some believe external forces are working to destabilize the PDP and prevent it from reorganizing itself, while others think those inside the party are creating new problems while trying to solve old ones,” he added.
Party at a Crossroads
Observers believe the PDP is at a critical crossroads, as its lingering internal disputes could undermine its effectiveness as Nigeria’s leading opposition party.
Sufi warned that the party must urgently reform its internal processes if it hopes to remain relevant.
“The PDP needs a strong, unifying leader who can rebuild confidence among aggrieved members. Otherwise, it risks losing its place as the main opposition to smaller parties like the ADC,” he concluded.
The PDP has yet to issue an official explanation for why Lamido was denied access to the form, even as the screening of aspirants earlier slated for Tuesday , has been postponed indefinitely.
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