PDP Risks Collapse Without Reconciliation With Wike – Lamido

Former Jigawa State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Sule Lamido, has called for urgent reconciliation between the party and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, warning that the PDP may not survive the 2027 general elections without unity.

Lamido, who had previously taken a hard stance against Wike and demanded his expulsion over alleged anti-party activities, said the current political reality has made reconciliation unavoidable.

“For months, I was one of Wike’s strongest critics,” Lamido said. “But the situation has changed. This is not about endorsing his actions; it is about facing reality and ensuring the survival of the PDP.”

He noted that a wave of defections by key party leaders and governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has weakened the PDP’s structure, making it difficult for the party to function effectively as an opposition force.

According to him, the PDP is currently in a fragile state, lacking a properly constituted national executive and struggling with legal and structural challenges that threaten its existence.

“The party is practically in a comatose condition,” he said. “Time is not on our side, especially with the electoral timetable already in motion. Urgent action is needed.”

Lamido stressed that the crisis goes beyond individual personalities, insisting that the party must prioritise rebuilding its structure and restoring internal cohesion. He revealed that party stakeholders have agreed not to appeal the Supreme Court judgment on the convention dispute but to pursue reconciliation instead.

He proposed expanding the current caretaker committee to accommodate all factions within the party, including Wike’s camp and other aggrieved groups, as a first step towards unity.

“If we bring everyone on board, we can sit as one family and organise a credible national convention to elect a legitimate leadership,” he said.

On whether he now supports Wike, Lamido maintained that his position is driven by pragmatism rather than endorsement.

“Wike is still in the PDP, even if he aligns with the ruling government. Others have completely defected to the APC. Politics is dynamic; positions can change,” he added.

The former governor also dismissed speculations about the PDP adopting President Bola Tinubu as a consensus candidate, describing such claims as irrelevant distractions.

“Our focus should be on fixing our internal problems, not dragging in external issues,” he said.

On calls for former President Goodluck Jonathan to return as the PDP’s presidential candidate, Lamido said such a move is unrealistic under the current conditions.

“No individual can fix a disorganised party. We must first rebuild and unite before talking about candidates,” he noted.

He reaffirmed that the party has already zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South but warned that credible aspirants would only emerge if the PDP regains stability and cohesion.

Despite the challenges, Lamido rejected claims that the PDP is finished.

“If the PDP were truly dead, people wouldn’t still be talking about it. The party remains a major force, but we must act quickly to save it,” he said.

Lamido also cautioned against inflammatory rhetoric amid ongoing reconciliation efforts, urging members to remain measured in their statements to avoid further divisions.

While acknowledging that defectors acted in their own political interests, he said their departure has caused significant damage to the party.

“We must now focus on rebuilding what remains and restoring confidence in the PDP,” he added.