A founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sule Lamido, has called on party leaders and members to rally behind the caretaker leadership structure associated with Nyesom Wike, warning that continued infighting could further weaken the opposition party.
Lamido made the appeal during a Ramadan Iftar gathering with PDP leaders and stakeholders at his residence in Bamaina, Jigawa State, where he urged members to prioritise reconciliation and unity over prolonged internal disputes.
According to him, the survival and political relevance of the PDP depend on its ability to close ranks and rebuild cohesion at a time when the party is grappling with internal divisions and defections.
The former governor described Wike as a politically astute figure who moved swiftly to fill a leadership vacuum that emerged after the tenure of the party’s National Working Committee expired.
“Wike is a very shrewd politician. He saw the situation clearly and moved quickly to establish a caretaker committee. By the time the tenure of the existing leadership elapsed, that was the only structure in place,” Lamido said.
While acknowledging that Wike remains a controversial figure within sections of the party, Lamido stressed that political differences should not stand in the way of rebuilding unity.
“Even if some of us may not like him or may have political disagreements with him, we must still engage him in the spirit of unity, brotherhood and PDP sisterhood. The priority now is reconciliation and moving the party forward,” he added.
Lamido also expressed concern over the persistent leadership crisis that has unsettled the party in recent months, warning that prolonged disputes could erode the PDP’s preparedness for future elections.
He noted that Nigeria’s electoral timetable leaves little room for internal crises, stressing that delays in resolving leadership issues could complicate candidate nominations and other key preparations ahead of upcoming polls.
The elder statesman further urged party leaders to reflect on the significance of the Ramadan season as a period for forgiveness, reflection and renewed commitment to collective goals.
He reminded members that the PDP remains a shared political platform that belongs to all stakeholders and should not be treated as the property of any individual or faction.
“Our duty now is to protect the heritage of the PDP and ensure the party remains strong enough to serve Nigerians,” Lamido said.
His remarks come amid growing concerns among party faithful over deepening divisions within the PDP, with many calling for urgent reconciliation efforts to stabilise the party ahead of future political contests.