The Jigawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the suspension of former governor and party founding father, Alhaji Sule Lamido, by the Board of Trustees (BoT), describing the decision as unjust, vindictive and a threat to party cohesion.
State chairman, Dr Babandi Ibrahim Gumel, made the party’s position known in a statement issued on Saturday, faulting the BoT’s action as inimical to internal democracy and ongoing reconciliation efforts within the PDP.
According to the statement, the Jigawa PDP received news of Lamido’s suspension with “profound shock and disappointment,” insisting that the allegations used to justify the action were unfounded and misrepresented legitimate party activities.
The party argued that exercising legal and constitutional rights should not be misconstrued as disloyalty.
It recalled that Lamido approached the court after he was allegedly denied the opportunity to purchase a nomination form to contest the PDP national chairmanship.
It further noted that the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, ruled in Lamido’s favour, restraining the party from proceeding with its national convention until his right to contest was determined.
Jigawa PDP maintained that the suspension appeared punitive, aimed at sanctioning Lamido for seeking judicial redress on an issue the court had already found deserving of consideration.
The chapter also said the BoT’s decision contradicted recent remarks by its chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, who had publicly preached reconciliation, acknowledged past mistakes and appealed to aggrieved members to return to the PDP fold.
According to the party, suspending a founding member who sought justice through lawful means runs counter to the reconciliation and healing agenda repeatedly espoused by the party leadership.
Dr Gumel described the suspension as premature and prejudicial, noting that the matter remains before the courts.
He added that Lamido is among the few PDP founding fathers who have remained loyal to the party, warning that punishing such loyalty sends the wrong signal to committed members nationwide.
The party further argued that the decision weakens unity at a time the PDP requires cohesion to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
It also insisted that the PDP constitution contains no provision for the suspension of a “life member”.
The Jigawa PDP called on the BoT to immediately and unconditionally withdraw the suspension and publicly affirm the right of members to aspire to leadership positions without fear of victimisation.
It urged the BoT to align its actions with its reconciliation agenda, tender an apology to Lamido and recommit to building a united, democratic and law-abiding PDP.