Bode George Backs Sule Lamido’s Right to Contest PDP Chairmanship, Urges Internal Resolution of Disputes

A member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has affirmed that former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has the constitutional right to contest for the position of National Chairman of the party.

George made the remark on Tuesday during an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme monitored by Opitanglobamedia News. His statement followed Lamido’s recent threat to take legal action against the PDP for allegedly denying him access to purchase the nomination form for the chairmanship contest.

According to George, while the PDP often promotes consensus arrangements to maintain unity, such agreements are not binding and do not override the democratic rights of other aspirants. “The fact that some leaders converge to support one person as a consensus candidate doesn’t mean others cannot compete,” he stated. “Sule Lamido has the right to compete. He can get the form, fill it, and appear on the convention day. We will vote.”

PDP Chieftain Cautions Against Rushing to Court

Chief George, however, cautioned party members against resorting to litigation over internal party issues without first exploring the PDP’s internal conflict resolution mechanisms. He emphasized that the party is not owned by any individual and that its constitution provides clear procedures for addressing grievances.

“This party is not owned by any individual. Before taking the party to court, you must exhaust the internal dynamics of the party. If you fail to do that, you can be punished,” he said. While reiterating that Lamido is free to contest, George warned that legal action against the party could attract disciplinary measures.

He maintained that due process remains vital to preserving the unity and credibility of the PDP ahead of its upcoming national convention. “Let him go; nobody will deny him any form. He can compete. The final decision will be by delegates attending the convention, and it will be done openly,” George concluded.

Lamido’s Complaint and Party Response

Former Governor Sule Lamido had on Monday expressed frustration after being unable to obtain the nomination form at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja. According to him, the offices of the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, were unable to provide information about the form’s availability.

Speaking to journalists, Lamido said the development was strange and contrary to the PDP’s democratic principles. “I went to the office of the National Organising Secretary, which is normally where the forms are sold, and the office was locked. I found it a little weird that the custodians of the system are also being locked out,” he said.

Subsequent reports indicated that the nomination forms were under the custody of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, who serves as Chairman of the PDP National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC). Lamido, a founding member of the PDP, has vowed to continue pushing for fairness and inclusivity in the process leading to the convention.