Sule Lamido Explains: Reasons Behind PDP Members’ Resignations Amid Crisis
Former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has shed light on the recent spate of resignations by notable members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), attributing the party’s current crisis to procedural issues within the judiciary.
Lamido pointed to the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the Imo Governorship election, suggesting that he would have remained in office if Hon. Emeka Ihedioha’s election had not been overturned. The former governor lamented that the mass resignations from the PDP resulted from frustration stemming from perceived injustices within the party leadership and the judiciary.
Speaking in an interview with This Day, Lamido criticized Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s dual roles as the PDP’s National Secretary and a gubernatorial candidate in Imo State, arguing that such conflicts of interest undermined the party’s integrity. Despite his electoral defeat, he emphasized that the judiciary’s validation of Anyanwu’s position as National Secretary further fueled discontent within the party.
Lamido also addressed the former Governor of Katsina State’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), attributing it to political dynamics rather than legal pressures. He noted former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s historical influence in securing Katsina State for the PDP in 2003, contrasting it with President Muhammadu Buhari’s present sway in favor of the APC.
Regarding the PDP’s situation in Imo State, Lamido criticized the party leadership’s handling of internal conflicts, particularly its treatment of Emeka Ihedioha. He argued that Ihedioha’s decision to step aside as a gubernatorial candidate to accommodate Anyanwu should have been met with reciprocal action. However, Anyanwu’s retention of the National Secretary position exacerbated tensions within the party.
Reflecting on the judiciary’s role in PDP’s challenges, Lamido highlighted the contentious Supreme Court ruling on Ihedioha’s case, suggesting that judicial decisions had influenced the party’s internal dynamics, especially in the Southeast geopolitical zone.
When asked about his potential defection to the APC, Lamido expressed skepticism, suggesting that the APC leadership would not welcome him. He cited the unlikely acceptance of his membership by President Bola Tinubu and the APC.
The resignations from the PDP in Imo State include prominent figures from various levels of government, signaling significant upheaval within the party’s ranks.
