The internal crisis within Nigeria’s main opposition party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, intensified on Monday, October 27, 2025, as former Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Sule Lamido threatened legal action after being denied access to purchase the nomination form for the position of National Chairman.
Lamido, a founding member of the PDP and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, arrived at the party’s national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja, at approximately 11 a.m. Accompanied by supporters, he sought to obtain the nomination form required to contest the upcoming national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
However, upon arrival, Lamido encountered unexpected obstacles. The office of the National Organizing Secretary, traditionally responsible for the sale of nomination forms, was locked. Both the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the National Organizing Secretary, Umar Bature, reportedly claimed ignorance of the whereabouts or availability of the forms. Lamido expressed his frustration, stating, “I came here to buy the form for the chairmanship position, but I was denied. This is not the democracy our party stands for.”
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In response to the denial, Lamido declared his intention to pursue legal action against the party if he remained unable to obtain the nomination form. He emphasized his commitment to participating in the forthcoming convention, asserting, “If this continues, I will have no choice but to approach the court for justice.”
The former governor criticized the party’s internal processes, describing the situation as “unacceptable and undemocratic.” He further expressed concern that the party’s administrative functions were being undermined by a few individuals, potentially jeopardizing the PDP’s democratic principles.
Lamido’s denial occurred amidst a broader dispute within the PDP regarding the selection of a consensus candidate for the national chairmanship. Following the party’s National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting on August 25, which resolved to zone the presidential ticket to the South and the national chairmanship to the North, Northern leaders convened to micro-zone the chairmanship position to the North-West. Consequently, former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, was endorsed as the consensus candidate.
However, Lamido and several stakeholders from the North-West, including the Kebbi State chapter, rejected the endorsement, arguing that it was imposed without adequate consultation. Lamido contended that the North-West zone had not convened a meeting to discuss the consensus, and the endorsement process was rushed and lacked transparency.
Lamido’s threat of legal action underscores the deepening divisions within the PDP as it approaches its national convention. The dispute over the chairmanship nomination form highlights concerns about the party’s adherence to democratic processes and internal governance. Observers suggest that the ongoing crisis could have significant implications for the PDP’s unity and effectiveness in the upcoming electoral cycle.
As the PDP prepares for its national convention, the party faces internal challenges that could affect its cohesion and public perception. Lamido’s threat of legal action serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency, inclusivity, and adherence to democratic principles within political parties. The resolution of this dispute will likely influence the PDP’s trajectory in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
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