Introduction to the Crisis
The lingering crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took a new twist on Monday, as former Jigawa State governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, threatened to head to court for being denied the opportunity to obtain the form to contest the office of the national chairman at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.
The Incident at the Party Secretariat
Lamido, who arrived at the Wadata Plaza headquarters of the PDP in the morning, was shocked to discover that key party officials, including the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, and the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, claimed ignorance of the sale or availability of nomination forms for the forthcoming national convention. Speaking with journalists shortly after the incident, Lamido described the development as “strange and embarrassing,” warning that he would seek legal redress if he remained unable to procure the form.
Lamido’s Experience
“I came to the secretariat to purchase my form as stipulated in the party’s constitution, but to my surprise, the office of the National Organising Secretary was locked,” Lamido lamented. “Both the Organising Secretary and the National Secretary told me they had no idea where the forms were, not even how they were printed or who was selling them. This is very strange. If the forms are now being controlled by Governor Fintiri, then perhaps I have to go to Adamawa to buy mine?
Concerns Over Party Administration
Lamido expressed disappointment that the party’s internal administrative structures appeared to have been hijacked by a few individuals, stressing that such tendencies could undermine the PDP’s democratic ethos. “It’s unfortunate that the functions of the National Executive Committee (NEC) are being taken over by individuals,” he said. “If the PDP must win elections in 2027, it has to return to discipline, fairness, and internal democracy. Otherwise, it risks total collapse.”
Allegations and Denials
He also dismissed insinuations that his political ambition was being resisted due to alleged links with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing such claims as baseless. “They met me in the PDP. I’ve been here since 1998, when many of those talking today were nowhere around the struggle that birthed this party,” Lamido declared. The former governor further alleged that efforts to arrive at a consensus candidate in the North were being manipulated to sideline him, noting that scheduled meetings of stakeholders were deliberately pre-empted to impose certain aspirants.
Confusion Deepens
Meanwhile, confusion deepened within the PDP hierarchy as key national officers distanced themselves from the controversial sale of forms. Senator Anyanwu told journalists that, as the National Secretary of the party, he had not seen the nomination form nor been informed of any official process regarding its issuance. “As Secretary of the PDP, I have not even seen the form. I don’t know the colour it was printed in. When I contested in 2021, I collected my form from the National Organising Secretary. Now, even he says he is not aware of any sale. That’s very strange,” Anyanwu said.
Postponement of Aspirants’ Screening
In a similar vein, National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, also disclaimed any knowledge of the sale, stating categorically that no forms had been issued through his office. “I don’t know anything about the sale of forms,” Bature said, leaving the matter shrouded in uncertainty. Amid the confusion, an announcement emerged from the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), chaired by Adamawa State governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, that the screening of aspirants has been postponed. It was earlier scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
Conclusion
The latest development underscores the growing disarray within the PDP ahead of its national convention, as factions battle for control of the party’s leadership machinery. Observers warn that unless urgent reconciliation efforts are undertaken, the crisis could deepen, further threatening the party’s cohesion and its prospects in the 2027 general elections.
FAQs
- Q: What is the current crisis within the PDP about?
A: The crisis involves the denial of former Jigawa State governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, to obtain a form to contest the office of the national chairman, among other issues of party administration and democratic processes. - Q: Who are the key figures involved in the crisis?
A: Key figures include Alhaji Sule Lamido, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and Adamawa State governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. - Q: What are the implications of this crisis for the PDP?
A: The crisis could undermine the party’s democratic ethos, threaten its cohesion, and impact its prospects in the 2027 general elections if not resolved. - Q: What steps are being taken to address the crisis?
A: The article does not specify concrete steps being taken to address the crisis, but it mentions the need for urgent reconciliation efforts.
Source: guardian.ng
