Umar Sani, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has rejected a recent ultimatum. Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido issued this 10-day demand. He called for the dissolution of the party’s leadership. Sani dismissed these calls.
Mr. Sani serves as Special Assistant to National Chairman Tanimu Turaki. In a BBC interview, he appealed to Lamido. Sani urged him to set aside grievances. He wants Lamido to work with the present leadership.
Sani expressed disappointment. He noted Lamido is an elder statesman. Lamido significantly contributed to the PDP’s growth. Demanding its disintegration is “unbecoming,” Sani stated.
Sani stressed the impossibility of Lamido’s demands. He said these calls, backed by Lamido’s allies, cannot be met. The party’s current stance is final. There will be no reversal.
He stated, “The PDP needs unity now. We must set aside all disputes. This will allow us to move forward.”
“Sule Lamido and his allies seek impossible changes,” Sani added. “Everything necessary has been completed. There is no going back on our decisions.”
Sani also revealed past efforts. The National Chairman tried to meet Lamido. The goal was to resolve their differences. “It didn’t work out,” Sani explained. “So, there is nothing else to discuss.”
Lamido’s Loyalist Alleges Party Rule Violations
Meanwhile, Babandi Ibrahim Gumel offered a counter-perspective. He chairs the PDP in Jigawa State. Gumel is also a loyalist of Lamido. Speaking with the BBC, he asserted party rules were violated. This happened during the emergence of the new leadership, he claimed.
Gumel argued, “The Damagum-led PDP executives’ tenure is still active. They have not resigned. How can others declare themselves leaders so suddenly? This violates party rules.” He stressed, “Their tenure ends on December 8, 2025. Until that date, the PDP has no leadership vacancies.”
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