Former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido Dismisses PDP Factionalism, Citing Party’s Founding Principles Over Contemporary Power Struggles

Former Governor Sule Lamido denies supporting a Wike faction, emphasizing the PDP’s 1998 founding principles and warning against APC’s gain from 2026 infighting.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 24, 2026, 5:04 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Naija News

Reclaiming the Narrative of PDP’s Democratic Heritage

In a definitive interview with Daily Trust, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido sought to distance himself from the personality-driven factions currently fracturing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Lamido, who identifies as one of the youngest founding members of the party, expressed frustration with the media’s focus on the "Wike-backed faction" versus opposing groups. He argued that figures like Nyesom Wike and Taminu Turaki were not present during the party's arduous formation in 1998 and therefore lack a fundamental understanding of its core philosophy. For Lamido, the PDP is not a vehicle for individual interests but a "Nigerian ownership" established by thinkers who fought for democracy during the military era.

The Philosophy of Consensus vs. Modern Factionalism

Lamido provided a historical perspective on the PDP's origins, noting that it was designed as a "consensus of all philosophies," merging elements from the UPN, NPN, and various independent political activists. This diverse coalition was intended to submerge radicalism, socialism, and capitalism into a singular focus: the destiny of Nigeria. By dismissing current leaders as mere "beneficiaries" of the party's past successes, Lamido emphasized that the ongoing crisis is a departure from the vision held by late titans like Alex Ekwueme and Solomon Lar. He urged the current membership to "disengage Nigeria from these small names" and return to the broad-based nationalism that once defined the party.

Warning Against the Empowerment of the APC

The former governor’s primary concern lies in the electoral consequences of internal discord. He argued that the "enmity, anger, and insults" currently dominating PDP discourse are unwittingly creating a political vacuum that benefits only the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Lamido’s clarification—that he is "for PDP, not for Wike"—stems from a pragmatic assessment of political survival. He warned that the more the party engages in internal warfare, the weaker it becomes as a "credible alternative" for governance, effectively handing a strategic advantage to the ruling party.