Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has dismissed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gathering held in Ibadan on Saturday, describing it as nothing more than a social meet-up with no legal authority.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Sunday, Lamido said the event did not qualify as a valid national convention under the party’s rules, insisting that anything decided there carries no legal weight.
“PDP is a party founded on law and order. What happened in Ibadan is not a legitimate convention. Whatever activities they carried out are meaningless. It was simply a gathering of friends entertaining themselves. It has no legal standing,” he said.
Lamido, who was prevented from purchasing the nomination form to contest the national chairmanship position, had earlier taken the matter to court. On 11 November, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja halted the planned convention and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise it.
Despite the court orders, the party’s acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, proceeded with the convention. During the event, the PDP expelled several key figures, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, embattled National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and eight others. The party insisted the expulsions complied with its constitution, which grants the national convention ultimate authority over disciplinary matters.
However, two PDP governors — Adamawa’s Ahmadu Fintiri and Plateau’s Caleb Mutfwang — rejected the expulsions, calling the process flawed.
Meanwhile, Kabiru Turaki, a former minister under President Goodluck Jonathan, emerged as the new national chairman. His election has sparked speculation about a possible return of Jonathan to frontline politics ahead of 2027, although the former president has not declared any intentions.
Why Lamido Went to Court
Lamido, a founding member of the PDP, said he resorted to legal action after multiple unsuccessful attempts to resolve internal issues through dialogue.
“For two years, I’ve held numerous meetings trying to save this party from collapsing,” he said, blaming PDP governors, lawmakers, and leaders for neglecting the party’s unity and electoral strength.
He questioned the party’s preparedness for future elections, saying, “If we can’t organise ourselves internally, how can we take on the APC?”
‘There Was No Convention’
Lamido maintained that the Ibadan event could not be considered a convention due to the standing court order restraining it.
“A convention is clearly defined under our laws. With a valid court order stopping it, there simply cannot be a convention,” he emphasized.
He further explained that while multiple injunctions existed, the ruling issued in Abuja on Friday afternoon was the latest and therefore binding.
“That order was served on INEC and the PDP. They are fully aware. Anyone insisting that a convention took place risks being cited for contempt,” he said.
