Umar Sani, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has firmly rejected a 10-day ultimatum. This ultimatum came from former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido. It called for the dissolution of the party’s leadership.
Sani, who serves as Special Assistant to the National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki, spoke to the BBC. He urged Lamido to set aside his grievances. Instead, Sani called for cooperation with the party’s present leadership.
He stated that it was unfitting for Lamido, an esteemed elder statesman. Lamido is also a key figure in the party’s growth. Sani found it inappropriate for him to now demand its breakup.
Sani stressed that Lamido’s demands, along with those of his allies, are simply impossible. He affirmed that the party’s current stance is irreversible.
“What the PDP truly needs now is unity,” Sani declared. “All disputes must be put aside so we can progress. The demands from Sule Lamido and his associates are unachievable. Everything necessary has already been completed. Therefore, there is no room for reversal.”
Sani also mentioned past efforts by the National Chairman. He had attempted to meet with Sule Lamido to resolve the issues. However, these attempts were unsuccessful. Sani concluded there was ‘nothing else to discuss’.
Lamido Loyalist Alleges Party Rule Violations
In contrast, Babandi Ibrahim Gumel offered a differing perspective. Gumel is the PDP Chairman in Jigawa State and a staunch loyalist of Lamido. Speaking with the BBC, he asserted clear violations of party regulations. These violations, he claimed, occurred during the emergence of the current leadership.
Gumel argued, “The Damagum-led PDP executives have not completed their tenure. They have also not resigned from their positions. How can others suddenly declare themselves leaders? This has no precedent. Party rules state their tenure concludes on December 8, 2025. Until that date, the PDP leadership has no vacancies.”
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