Former Jigawa State Governor and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Sule Lamido, has declared unwavering loyalty to the party, vowing to remain despite internal crises and defections. His strong statement came amid growing discontent among party faithful and fresh warnings from the PDP leadership against actions deemed to be undermining the party’s unity.
Lamido, in a fiery interview on Wednesday in Abuja, expressed frustration with what he described as betrayal from former allies within the PDP. He labelled them “ingrates” and accused them of sabotaging the party for selfish gains and in service of external interests.
“The PDP dignified them. We gave them visibility, wealth and influence. Now, on behalf of their paymasters, they are tearing it apart. These are political orphans trying to eat the womb that birthed them,” Lamido said.
Despite pressure to leave or join a broader opposition coalition, Lamido said he remains committed to the PDP’s ideals. “The PDP may be sick, but I will stay and fight for its survival. Abandoning it now would be like killing the future of Nigeria’s democracy. If we all leave, the vultures win,” he said.
Lamido also launched a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu’s recent trip to Saint Lucia, where he received a knighthood. He described the visit as “a vain show of self-gratification unbecoming of a serious leader,” especially at a time when Nigerians are facing dire economic and security challenges.
“Why would a serious leader chase vanity honours while his house is burning? Nigeria is a large, proud nation. What bigger honour is there than being its President?” Lamido asked.
Earlier, the PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, addressed the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja and warned members against making public statements or taking actions that could further weaken the party’s standing. He promised sanctions against those who continue to “de-market” the party.
“I want to re-emphasise that if you are a member of PDP, we are drawing a line for those that go to de-market the party. We will watch them and take appropriate actions at the right time,” Damagum warned.
He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of luring PDP members with patronage and threats, and said Nigerians will ultimately decide the 2027 elections based on the performance of the APC-led government.
“To APC, I want to send a message: you can continue to harass and buy our members, but the 2027 election is between Nigerians and the APC,” Damagum added.
The PDP’s internal tensions came to the fore after senior party figures—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark—publicly criticised the current state of the party and called for a broader alliance to challenge the APC in 2027.
Responding, Damagum insisted that despite differences, the PDP remains the only party in Nigeria with genuine democratic structures, institutional memory, and the ability to resolve internal conflicts.
The PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) is scheduled to meet from July 23 to 25 to discuss strategies for party cohesion, potential reforms, and preparations for the next general election.
As the party navigates its internal crisis, Lamido’s declaration and Damagum’s firm stance signal a critical moment in the PDP’s struggle to remain relevant as Nigeria’s main opposition party.
