Lamido gives PDP 10-day ultimatum to replace Turaki-led NWC with caretaker committee

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Former Governor of Jigawa state, Sule Lamido, on Thursday demanded immediate dissolution of the National Working Committee of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, elected at the Ibadan convention, and formation of a Caretaker Committee to oversee the affairs of the party.

Lamido spoke in response to demands of the Forum of Former Jigawa State PDP LG Council Chairmen, who visited him and his Sharada office in Kano to know his feelings, thoughts and direction, over unfolding events within the PDP leadership at the national level.

The former Minister of Foreign Affairs, who regretted the crisis that erupted within the PDP, however, expressed hope that the party will get back on its feet, at the end, if the right steps are taken.

Lamido expressed deep concern over the lingering crisis within the party, lamenting that foundation members of the party, like himself, have been sidelined by “new forces” within the PDP.

According to him, there are fifth columnists within the party, whose ambition is to render him irrelevant and hijack the affairs of the party for their personal interest.

He, however, insisted that his legal actions against some elements within the party, were not aimed at forcing himself into party leadership, but rather to protect the PDP’s legacy and defend his fundamental rights, which he said was grossly violated.

He stressed that, “as things stand, Umar Damagum and Samuel Anyanwu remain the legitimate leaders of the party until their tenure expires on December 8, 2025.”

Lamido warned that allowing the party to continue without clear leadership structures could jeopardize the future of aspirants, serving officeholders, and those planning to re-contest electoral positions.

“I am pushing for a caretaker committee. I am calling on Wike, Damagum, and others to forgive one another and support the formation of a unified caretaker body,” Lamido said.

He, however, urged his supporters to remain calm and loyal to the party as efforts are being made to resolve all issues peacefully.

Earlier, spokesperson of the Forum, Alasan Babandi, assured Lamido that the Forum of Former PDP Local Government Council Chairman in Jigawa state, are with him and will be ready to abide by every decision he takes about their political future.

According to him, “we condemn the manner in which the leadership of the party has handled our leader, His Excellency, Alhaji Sule Lamido, without regard to his honour by denying him his right to contest the national chairmanship of the party.

“The PDP as a party is no longer a formidable platform at the national level as a result of prevailing factions and consistent rancor and mistrust among its members.

“As loyal, political children of His Excellency, Sule Lamido, we do, here by, mandate him, in his wisdom, to find a visible political platform that will permit us to pursue our dreams of a greater Jigawa and Nigeria.”