A founding father of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sule Lamido, has called on aggrieved members of the party to return and contribute to rebuilding efforts centred on inclusivity, unity and renewal.
Lamido, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs and ex-Governor of Jigawa State, made the appeal while speaking at the party’s elective National Convention in Abuja. The convention follows a recent Court of Appeal ruling that upheld the position of the Nyesom Wike-led faction, a development Lamido believes could signal a fresh phase of renewal within the party.
Describing the PDP as the collective patrimony of its members, Lamido stressed the need for reconciliation and a united front. He reflected on the party’s origins in 1998, noting that it was founded to address the pressing challenge of national unity in the aftermath of the June 12 crisis.
“At its core, the PDP was established as a platform to unify Nigeria during a critical transition to civilian rule,” he said. “The vision, courage and wisdom of its founders remain relevant today.”
Lamido underscored Nigeria’s strategic importance globally, pointing to its population, resources and historical significance. He urged politicians to prioritise national interest over personal ambition, warning that progress would remain elusive without unity and collective purpose.
He also lamented the rise of divisive politics based on ethnicity, religion and tribal affiliations, insisting that leadership must be anchored on shared national values.
“Now is the time for reconciliation,” Lamido stated. “The PDP is a national family. It does not belong to any one individual but to all Nigerians. Those who have left should return and help rebuild the party.”
The former governor acknowledged ongoing internal challenges, including divisions that have led to parallel alignments within the party. Notably, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed were absent from the convention, backing a rival faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki. The group has appealed to the Supreme Court following the breakdown of reconciliation talks.
Lamido himself has been a key figure in the crisis, having previously pursued legal action after being denied the opportunity to contest for the party’s national chairmanship.
Despite these tensions, he expressed optimism that the PDP can overcome its challenges, urging members to remain disciplined and committed as the party seeks to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.
