The Jigawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has declared its alignment with former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, stating that their position reflects a commitment to legality and justice.
The party explained that Lamido’s decision to support Wike’s faction is consistent with its own stance amid the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP.
The party has been grappling with deep internal divisions, as rival factions continue to contest control of its leadership structure.
Lamido explains position
Lamido recently clarified his support for Wike’s camp during an interview with BBC Hausa, noting that resolving the crisis requires stakeholders to recognise the caretaker committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, which is reportedly backed by Wike.
According to him, the committee represents a practical step toward restoring unity within the party, particularly as it has received recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
“If the party truly wants reconciliation and a way out of the crisis, stakeholders must embrace the caretaker committee,” Lamido said.
“Since it has been recognised by INEC, it should be followed as part of the process of resolving the PDP crisis,” he added.
Lamido’s position has drawn attention, given his previous criticism of Wike, whom he had accused of contributing to the internal challenges that weakened the party and led to the defection of several governors.
Jigawa PDP states its position
Speaking on the development, the PDP spokesman in Jigawa State, Umar Kyari, said the position advanced by Wike’s camp is grounded in legal considerations, which justify Lamido’s recent stance.
“The issue is about what the law allows. When the tenure of the previous leadership expired, a caretaker committee had to be formed; otherwise the party would have been left without a structure,” Kyari said.
He added that Wike, whom he described as legally astute, had anticipated the situation that ultimately led to a court ruling recognising the caretaker arrangement.
“What Wike foresaw has now been confirmed by the court which ruled that the committee is legitimate,” he said.
Kyari also criticised some PDP governors who had previously opposed Lamido’s political ambitions, noting that several of them have since defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Party seeks reconciliation
Amid the crisis, the PDP is expected to hold a key meeting on March 29 aimed at reconciling the warring factions and restoring unity within the party.
The development comes as the APC continues to attract defections, particularly from opposition figures.
Political observers note that the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the PDP can resolve its internal disputes and reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.
