Reverse Lamido’s suspension, Jigawa PDP tells BoT

By Isa Isawade

The Jigawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has condemned the suspension of a chieftain of the party and former governor, Sule Lamido, from the party’s Board of Trustees and order his immediate reinstatement.

The chapter described Lamido’s suspension as unjust and counterproductive.

The PDP BoT announced suspension of Lamido over allegations of anti-party activities and inflammatory statements during recent internal crises.

The move has sparked widespread controversy, deepened divisions within the party’s Jigawa chapter, and triggered calls for unity amid fears of electoral setbacks ahead of upcoming polls.

The Jigawa State PDP, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Babandi Gumel, and made available to journalists on Saturday in Dutse, the state capital, said the decision was unjust and had generated widespread concern and debate within the party.

Gumel said the suspension, reportedly based on allegations that Lamido attended meetings capable of jeopardising party unity, was a direct affront to justice, internal democracy, and the reconciliation efforts recently championed by the party’s leadership.

He said the pursuit of one’s legal and constitutional rights within the party should not be construed as an act of disunity.

He recalled that Lamido sought judicial redress after being denied the opportunity to obtain a nomination form to contest the party’s national chairmanship.

“The Federal High Court in Abuja ruled in his favour, restraining the PDP from proceeding with its national convention until Lamido’s right to contest was determined,” he said.

Gumel described the suspension as premature and prejudicial, saying it showed disrespect for the judicial process and amounted to pre-judgment.

He noted that Lamido is a founding father of the party who has remained steadfast and loyal, never defecting to another political party, adding that punishing such “loyalty sends a chilling message to all dedicated members.”

The party, therefore, urged an immediate reinstatement of the embattled politician to the board.