A significant internal crisis is rocking the Jigawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as senior party elders have publicly come to the defense of former Governor Sule Lamido.
Elders Decry Erosion of Party Democracy
In a strongly worded statement issued on 24 November 2025, prominent figures including former lawmakers Hon. Ali Idris Diginsa and Hon. Isa Zakari Bosuwa launched a scathing attack on the PDP's national leadership. They accused them of engaging in a disturbing pattern of imposition, disregard for due process, and calculated exclusion.
The elders contend that the party's foundational principles are being systematically dismantled. They argue that recent decisions are made without collective consultation and fail to recognize the immense contributions of long-standing leaders who were instrumental in building the PDP from scratch.
Sule Lamido: The Party's 'Moral Compass'
Central to this protest is the figure of Sule Lamido, described by the elders as the remaining backbone and moral compass of the PDP in the state. The statement highlighted his unwavering loyalty, noting that he never abandoned the party during intense political storms, such as the wave of defections to the ruling party during the Buhari era.
They detailed his extensive political journey, which includes:
- His progressive roots in the PRP.
- His tenure as PDP National Secretary.
- His service as a two-term Governor of Jigawa State.
- His role as a national political stabiliser.
This trajectory, they argued, makes him indispensable to any serious discussion about the future direction of the PDP. The statement declared it unacceptable that a leader of Lamido's calibre is being sidelined when the party needs its most influential voices the most.
Potential Reconfiguration and Lasting Impact
The elders ended their statement with a powerful declaration of loyalty, stating unequivocally that where he goes, we go. This phrase starkly underscores the deepening rift between the party's grassroots stalwarts in Jigawa and its national executives.
Political observers suggest this open confrontation could signal the start of a major reconfiguration within the PDP, particularly in key northern states where Lamido still commands a formidable and loyal grassroots following. As the PDP struggles to find stability and relevance ahead of future elections, the rebellion in Jigawa serves as a potent reminder that old wounds and unresolved power struggles within the party are far from settled.
