The Jigawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has strongly criticised the suspension of former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, from the party’s Board of Trustees, describing the decision as unjust, premature and harmful to party unity.
The party’s state leadership made its position known in a statement signed by the Jigawa PDP Chairman, Babandi Gumel, and issued to journalists on Saturday in Dutse.
The PDP BoT had on Friday announced Lamido’s suspension, citing allegations of anti-party activities and inflammatory comments made during the party’s recent internal crises.
However, the decision has sparked controversy within the Jigawa chapter, with party leaders warning that it could further deepen internal divisions ahead of future elections.
Reacting to the development, Gumel said the suspension was based on allegations that Lamido attended meetings capable of undermining party cohesion, a claim he described as unfair and contrary to the principles of justice and internal democracy.
“The pursuit of one’s legal and constitutional rights within the party cannot be interpreted as an act of disunity,” Gumel said.
He recalled that Lamido had approached the court after he was denied the opportunity to purchase a nomination form to contest for the position of national chairman of the party.
According to him, “The Federal High Court in Abuja ruled in his favour and restrained the PDP from going ahead with its national convention until his right to contest was properly addressed.”
Gumel argued that suspending Lamido while the matter was still before the court amounted to disrespect for the judicial process and a clear case of pre-judgment.
“The action of the BoT is not only premature but also prejudicial. It undermines the reconciliation efforts that the party leadership has recently been preaching,” he said.
The Jigawa PDP chairman further described Lamido as a founding member of the party who has remained loyal over the years, noting that he has never defected to another political party.
“Sanctioning such a loyal member sends a dangerous signal to committed party faithful across the country,” Gumel stated.
He also maintained that the PDP constitution does not empower the party to suspend a BoT life member, insisting that the decision was inconsistent with the party’s own rules.
“The strength of the PDP lies in inclusion, not exclusion. This suspension weakens party unity at a critical time,” he added.
The Jigawa PDP therefore called on the BoT to immediately withdraw the suspension and apologise to Lamido.
“We demand that the Board of Trustees unconditionally reverse this decision, align its actions with the party’s reconciliation agenda and restore the dignity of this elder statesman,” Gumel said.
He reaffirmed the state chapter’s commitment to a united, democratic PDP that respects the rule of law and the rights of its members.
