A former governor of Jigawa State and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sule Lamido, has called for urgent reconciliation within the party, warning that its chances in the 2027 general elections may be bleak without mending fences with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Lamido, who was once a strong critic of Wike, admitted that political realities have forced a rethink.
According to him, the PDP’s internal crisis, compounded by high-profile defections to the All Progressives Congress, has left the opposition party weakened and struggling to remain competitive.
He stressed that reconciliation is no longer optional but a survival strategy, noting that the party must move beyond personal grievances to rebuild its structure and prepare effectively for upcoming elections.
“The PDP today is in a fragile state,” Lamido said, pointing out the absence of a fully functional national leadership and the legal uncertainties surrounding its structure. He warned that without urgent action, the party may find it difficult to organise primaries or field credible candidates.
While clarifying that his position does not amount to endorsing Wike’s past actions, Lamido argued that engaging all factions, including Wike’s camp, is the only realistic path forward.
He noted that many of those who once opposed Wike have already defected, further complicating the party’s internal dynamics.
Lamido proposed the expansion of the current caretaker committee to accommodate all interests within the party, insisting that inclusiveness is key to restoring unity.
He added that such a move would pave the way for a credible national convention capable of producing a legitimate leadership.
On the broader political landscape, Lamido maintained that despite its challenges, the PDP remains the only opposition party with a national spread capable of challenging the ruling party.
However, he cautioned that time is running out, especially with the electoral timetable drawing closer.
He also dismissed speculations about adopting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a consensus candidate, describing such suggestions as irrelevant distractions from the party’s internal issues.
Regarding calls for former President Goodluck Jonathan to return as a unifying figure, Lamido expressed doubt, saying the current state of disunity within the party makes such a move unlikely.
He reaffirmed that the PDP presidential ticket has already been zoned to the South but emphasized that no serious contender would emerge unless the party first rebuilds trust, unity, and organisational strength.
Despite mounting concerns and defections, Lamido rejected claims that the PDP is finished, insisting that the party remains a major force in Nigerian politics.
“The PDP is not dead,” he said. “But if we fail to reconcile now, we risk making that prediction a reality.”
