By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse
The Jigawa State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed profound shock and disappointment over the suspension of former Governor Sule Lamido from the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT).
Describing the action as unjust and vindictive, the chapter has demanded an immediate and unconditional reversal of the decision.
In a statement signed by the State Chairman, Dr. Babandi Ibrahim Gumel, and made available to newsmen in Dutse, the chapter condemned the suspension as a direct affront to internal democracy and the rule of law.
The BoT had reportedly suspended the former governor, a founding father of the party citing his attendance at meetings alleged to be inimical to party unity.
However, the Jigawa chapter dismissed these allegations, arguing that Lamido was being persecuted for exercising his constitutional rights.
The statement clarified that the actions deemed as disunity were, in reality, a legal pursuit of justice. The chapter explained that Lamido had approached the courts after being denied the opportunity to obtain a nomination form to contest for the position of National Chairman of the party.
Dr. Gumel noted that the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, had found merit in Lamido’s application. The court subsequently restrained the PDP from proceeding with its national convention until the former governor’s right to contest was determined.
“The Jigawa State chapter categorically states that the pursuit of one’s legal and constitutional rights within the party cannot be construed as an act of disunity. This suspension, therefore, appears to be a punitive measure against him for legally challenging an action deemed unjust by a court of law,” the statement read. “
The chapter highlighted the irony of the suspension coming at a time when the BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has been publicly championing reconciliation.
The statement pointed out that Senator Wabara had recently admitted to past mistakes and appealed to aggrieved members to “sheath their swords and return fully to the PDP family,” stressing that the party must not be divided.
The Jigawa chapter argued that suspending a founding member for seeking to exercise his rights contradicts this spirit of healing and alienates respected elders.
Challenging the legality of the move, the Jigawa PDP asserted that there is no provision in the party’s constitution that permits the suspension of a Life Member of the BoT.
They described the action as premature and prejudicial, noting that disciplining a member over a matter actively before the courts disrespects the judicial process.
The chapter also underscored Lamido’s unwavering loyalty, describing him as one of the few founding fathers who has remained steadfast in the PDP without ever defecting to another party.
“Punishing such loyalty sends a chilling message to all dedicated members,” Gumel stated.
The Jigawa State PDP has called on the BoT to immediately withdraw the suspension and issue an apology to the elder statesman.
They further demanded a public affirmation of the rights of every member to aspire to leadership positions without fear of victimization.
“We urge the BoT to retrace its steps, align its actions with its recent words of reconciliation, and apologize to this elder statesman. The Jigawa PDP remains committed to a strong, united, and democratic Peoples Democratic Party that respects the rule of law and the dignity of its members,” the statement concluded.
