A former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has formally declared his intention to contest for the position of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), setting the stage for a major political showdown ahead of the party’s national convention.
Lamido made the announcement in a post on his verified Facebook page on Monday, revealing his plan to visit the PDP national headquarters to obtain his nomination form.
“By the grace of God, I shall today, Monday, 27th October 2025, by 11 a.m., be at Wadata Plaza, the national headquarters of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, to purchase the nomination form to run for the office of National Chairman,” he wrote.
The former Minister of Foreign Affairs and a founding member of the PDP emphasized his unwavering commitment to rebuilding and strengthening the party. “My commitment to democracy and resolve to restore our dear party to its old glory is unstoppable,” Lamido declared.
The PDP, which governed Nigeria from 1999 to 2015, is expected to elect a new National Chairman at its forthcoming national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The race for the chairmanship has, however, stirred controversy within the party, especially following the endorsement of former Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) by northern PDP stakeholders as their consensus candidate.
In response, Lamido and his supporters have rejected Turaki’s endorsement, describing it as “a unilateral decision that lacked proper consultation.” Sources close to the former governor revealed that Lamido views the endorsement as an attempt to impose a candidate on the party.
Lamido, speaking with journalists in Abuja on Monday after his unsuccessful attempt to obtain the nomination form, accused some party officials of obstructing the process. He alleged that the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the National Organising Secretary, Umaru Bature, were involved in the matter.
“I have every right, as a bona fide member of this great party, to aspire for any position. If the party leadership denies me access to the nomination forms, I will not hesitate to take legal action to protect my right,” Lamido warned.
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During its 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on August 25 in Abuja, the PDP resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, while reserving the National Chairmanship position for the North. Despite this zoning arrangement, tensions have continued to mount as rival factions within the party jostle for influence ahead of the convention.
Factions aligned with Lamido and another senior party leader, Nyesom Wike, have reportedly dismissed the northern endorsement process as “politically manipulated and non-inclusive.” Party insiders suggest that the rift could deepen if the leadership fails to address the grievances of dissatisfied stakeholders.
Lamido’s declaration and subsequent threat of legal action underscore the growing division within the PDP over its internal democracy and leadership direction as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
“What we need now is a credible leadership that can unite the PDP and reposition it as a true alternative to the ruling party. I am offering myself to serve in that capacity, and no one can stop this movement,” Lamido affirmed.
The development marks a significant turning point in the PDP’s ongoing leadership tussle, as the party battles to maintain internal cohesion and public confidence ahead of its national convention.