The Jigawa state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has admitted alignment with former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, and FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, explaining that they are clearly on the path of justice.
The party said Lamido’s decision to join the Wike’s faction of the party falls in line with their decision.
The PDP has been grappling with deep internal divisions, with rival factions contesting control of the party’s leadership structure.
Lamido explains U-turn
Recall that Lamido has explained why he is backing the faction of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the ongoing leadership crisis.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa, Lamido said resolving the crisis requires party stakeholders to recognise the caretaker committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, which is reportedly backed by Wike.
According to Lamido, the committee should be accepted as a practical step toward restoring unity in the party, particularly because 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 said.
Lamido’s position has surprised many observers, as he had previously been among senior PDP figures critical of Wike, accusing him of contributing to the internal turmoil that has weakened the party and led to the defection of several governors.
Jigawa PDP takes position
But speaking to DAILY POST, the PDP spokesman in Jigawa state, Umar Kyari, said the position being advanced by Wike’s camp is rooted in legal considerations, hence justifying Lamido’s latest stance on the matter.
“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 knowledgeable in legal matters anticipated the situation that eventually led to the court’s decision 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 previously opposed Lamido’s political ambitions within the party, noting that several of them have since left for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Party Seeks Reconciliation
Amid the crisis, the PDP is expected to hold a major meeting on March 29 aimed at reconciling the feuding factions and restoring unity within the party.
The meeting comes at a time when the ruling All Progressives Congress continues to attract defections, particularly among opposition political figures.
Whether the PDP can overcome its internal disputes and reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general elections remains uncertain.
Political observers say the coming months will be critical in determining whether Africa’s once-dominant opposition party can rebuild cohesion and credibility before the next electoral cycle.
PDP crisis: We have decided to align with Lamido, Wike – Spokesman, Kyari
