The Peoples Democratic Party in Jigawa State has faulted the suspension of former Governor Sule Lamido from the party’s Board of Trustees, warning that the move could worsen internal tensions and weaken reconciliation efforts.
Party leaders in the state described the decision as unfair and ill-timed, arguing that it risks deepening existing divisions at a moment when cohesion is critical ahead of future elections.
The controversy followed an announcement by the PDP’s Board of Trustees, which cited alleged anti-party conduct and inflammatory remarks linked to recent internal disputes as grounds for the action against Lamido.
Reacting to the development, the Jigawa PDP leadership said the suspension has unsettled members across the state and reopened fault lines that had only recently begun to heal.
In a statement issued in Dutse and signed by the state chairman, Babandi Gumel, the party insisted the decision contradicts the principles of justice, internal democracy, and the reconciliation agenda publicly embraced by the PDP leadership.
According to Gumel, Lamido’s alleged offence stemmed from attending meetings viewed as capable of undermining unity, a claim the state chapter rejected as misleading and punitive.
“Seeking protection of one’s constitutional and legal rights within the party framework should not be interpreted as an act of disloyalty,” Gumel said.
He further recalled that Lamido approached the courts after being denied access to a nomination form to contest the party’s national chairmanship, a move he said was lawful and transparent.
Moreover, Gumel noted that a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled in Lamido’s favour, restraining the party from proceeding with its national convention until his eligibility was properly addressed.
Against that backdrop, the Jigawa PDP chairman described the suspension as premature, arguing that it amounts to a disregard for due process and an implicit pre-judgment of a matter already before the courts.
He also emphasised Lamido’s long-standing role in the party, describing him as a founding figure who has remained loyal to the PDP since inception without defecting to any rival platform.
“Disciplining a member with such a record sends the wrong signal and discourages commitment among party faithful,” Gumel added.
Furthermore, the state chapter warned that exclusionary measures weaken the PDP’s internal strength, stressing that unity is built through dialogue rather than sanctions.
Gumel maintained that the party’s constitution does not provide for the suspension of a life member, a status he said Lamido clearly holds.
Consequently, the Jigawa PDP called on the Board of Trustees to immediately withdraw the suspension and align its actions with ongoing reconciliation efforts within the party.
“We believe an apology and a reversal of this decision will restore confidence and reaffirm the party’s respect for the rule of law,” Gumel said.
Hence, the Jigawa chapter reiterated its commitment to a united, democratic PDP that values inclusion, legality, and the dignity of its members as it prepares for future political contests.