Tension is rising in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of its National Convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan.
Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has threatened to take legal action against the party’s leadership after he was allegedly denied the nomination form to contest for the position of National Chairman.
Lamido arrived at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, with his supporters around 11 a.m. on Monday but was unable to buy the form. He said the offices responsible for the process were locked and officials were not available.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, Lamido accused the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, of deliberately preventing him from obtaining the form.
“I came to buy my form as required by the party’s constitution, but the office of the National Organising Secretary was locked. Both officials claimed they didn’t know where the forms were or who was selling them,” Lamido said.
He described the situation as “strange” and accused party leaders of blocking him and others from participating in the election.
The issue comes after the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on August 25, where the party agreed to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South and the National Chairmanship to the North. Later, Northern PDP leaders met in Abuja and further zoned the chairmanship to the North-West, endorsing former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as a consensus candidate. The decision was reportedly led by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and other Northern governors.
Lamido and his supporters rejected the arrangement, calling it undemocratic. “Consensus can only happen after proper consultation, but there was none. The North-West zone didn’t meet before this decision was made,” he said.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is supporting former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom for the same position, which has deepened divisions within the party.
Lamido said his intention was to strengthen and reform the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections, accusing some leaders of taking over NEC’s responsibilities without proper approval.
“If I can’t get the form, I’ll go to court,” he warned. “I’m only fighting to restore internal democracy and respect for the party’s constitution. We can’t defeat the APC if we are disorganised.”
He added that since the Convention Organising Committee led by Governor Fintiri is operating from Legacy House in Maitama, he might contact them directly to get the nomination form.
