A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Chief Bode George, has said former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, misunderstood the party’s nomination process for its 2025 national convention, leading to the legal battle currently unsettling the opposition party.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, George expressed surprise that Lamido opted for litigation, insisting the former governor failed to follow the party’s clearly defined procedures.
He explained that the nomination guidelines were approved during the party’s last National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where dates for the collection and submission of forms were formally set.
“All requirements were clearly stated and approved by NEC,” he said. “Every aspirant complied—except Lamido.”
According to George, Lamido appeared at the secretariat on the last day designated for returning completed forms, not for collecting a fresh one.
“Everybody who wanted to collect forms came early, paid the required dues, and received their forms. But he showed up physically on the very day forms were to be returned,” George noted.
He added that Lamido’s status in the party would have earned him consideration if he had reached out beforehand.
“But to take the party to court because the form wasn’t issued on the closing day—did he do the right thing?” he asked.
Despite the controversy, George maintained that the PDP remains strong and united.
“I want to reassure Nigerians that this party is solid. I am shocked he took the party to court,” he said, describing the PDP as an “Iroko” capable of withstanding internal disputes.
He confirmed that the national convention will proceed as scheduled, pending the court’s final ruling expected on December 8.
Meanwhile, Lamido, who also appeared on the programme, insisted his lawsuit was not an attack on the PDP but a bid to defend his personal integrity.
“I went to court to reclaim my rights. It’s about my personality, dignity, and honour,” the former governor said.
Lamido lamented that the crisis has exposed an erosion of trust within the party.
“A family that was once united is now fighting. I feel very sad,” he said, adding that he cannot withdraw the case since judgment has already been delivered.
He also ruled out attending the convention in Ibadan, citing the subsisting court order halting the exercise.
“For someone protected by the court, I can’t attend an event placed under injunction. Going there would mean renouncing what I gained in court,” he stated.
Lamido further accused some PDP governors of contributing to the crisis but expressed hope that the party would find a resolution.
The dispute adds to the growing tension within the PDP as it prepares for a crucial national convention intended to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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