WorldStage– Former Jigawa State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) bigwig, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has issued a stong warning to the party leadership, urging them to settle their differences with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike or risk the political collapse of the party.
He cautioned the party against risk of further decline if its leaders fail to reconcile and resolve the lingering leadership crisis within the opposition party.
Lamido had previously called for the expulsion of Wike, Samuel Ortom, and others over alleged anti-party activities in 2023.
However, as of March 2026, he seems to be pushing for a reconciliation-focused approach given the changing political landscape, while still emphasizing that the party must cleanse itself to survive.
Wike has maintained his membership in the PDP while acting as a minister in the APC-led government, stating that he is in control of the party’s machinery.
Lamido issued the warning while speaking during a Ramadan Iftar with PDP leaders and members in his hometown of Bamaina.
He urged party stakeholders to put aside personal grievances and work towards unity in order to safeguard the future of the party.
According to him, Wike acted swiftly and strategically when the tenure of the party’s National Working Committee expired, creating a leadership vacuum within the PDP.
“Wike is a very shrewd politician. He saw the situation clearly and moved quickly to establish a caretaker committee. By the time the tenure of the existing leadership elapsed, that was the only structure in place,” Lamido said.
The former governor noted that while many party members may have political disagreements with Wike, the priority should be the survival and stability of the party.
“Even if some of us may not like him or have political differences with him, we must still invite him in the spirit of unity, brotherhood and PDP sisterhood. The priority now is reconciliation and moving the party forward,” he added.
Lamido expressed concern over the persistent internal crisis and the growing wave of defections that have unsettled the party’s ranks in recent times.
He warned that unresolved disputes could weaken the PDP’s ability to effectively prepare for upcoming elections.
He also pointed out that Nigeria’s electoral timetable leaves little room for prolonged party crises, stressing that delays in resolving leadership issues could affect candidate nominations and other critical preparations.
Reflecting on the significance of the Ramadan season, Lamido said the holy month offers an opportunity for reflection, forgiveness and reconciliation among party members.
He stressed that the PDP remains a collective institution that belongs to all its members and should not be treated as the property of any individual or faction.
Lamido therefore urged party leaders to rise above personal interests, reconcile their differences and work together to rebuild the party.
“Our duty now is to protect the heritage of the PDP and ensure the party remains strong enough to serve Nigerians,” he said.
Lamido has urged for a “unified caretaker body” and called on both Wike and the NWC to “forgive one another” to salvage the party.
Lamido argued that if the PDP collapses, it will leave the opposition in Nigeria fragmented, potentially making the ruling party unchallenged.
He urged for a sincere, joint meeting of stakeholders to address the rifts and chart a path for the party’s future.
