Sule Lamido Calls for Wike's Expulsion from PDP, Labeling Him a 'Disaster'

Sule Lamido, the former Governor of Jigawa State, has declared his intention to boycott all Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) meetings until Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and other individuals he described as 'impostors' are expelled from the party. Lamido, who was notably absent from the PDP’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Tuesday, May 27, in Abuja, where key party issues were discussed, expressed that Wike's continued presence within the PDP poses a significant threat to the party's peace and stability. Lamido described Wike as a "disaster" and "a product of the PDP, the party that made him important. But now, he aims to ruin it." He emphasized his continued loyalty to the PDP but stated he "refuse to attend PDP meetings when they have fake members there" and "won’t dignify this rot" by associating with individuals like Wike and former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom, whom he also wants removed from the BOT.
Lamido vehemently condemned the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s decision to seal the PDP national secretariat, an action he directly attributed to Wike’s influence. He characterized this move as "un-African, un-Nigerian, and a total abuse of power," questioning how someone could target the very institution that "gave you life" and "aided your political career." Lamido further criticized Wike's mindset as "flawed" and "warped," asserting that Wike "lacks the cultural and moral foundation" and "the values and traditions that define our political culture." He accused Wike of taking things "so personally and act so destructively" due to his own ambition and lamented the apparent loss of a party culture that once prioritized collective good over personal grievances.
The former governor also directed strong criticism towards the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) for its perceived inaction and failure to expel Wike and other members accused of anti-party activities. "What exactly is the NWC afraid of?" Lamido questioned. He specifically highlighted the case of Samuel Ortom, asking why the former Benue Governor "is still holding a position in the Board of Trustees after reportedly openly supporting a rival presidential candidate in 2023." Lamido labeled these as "fundamental breaches" and insisted, "If this party is to survive, it must cleanse itself." He added he could not sit in BOT meetings with Ortom or with individuals like "Anyanwu, who is rejected in his own zone and now being imposed by another zone," calling them "impostors."
Reflecting on past party discipline, Lamido recalled his tenure as national secretary of the Social Democratic Party, stating, "During our time, the party was supreme. It held full authority, and everyone respected it, whether in the North, South, East, or West. Anyone — no matter how influential — who crossed the party line would be sanctioned." He contrasted this with the current situation in the PDP, where, according to him, "people openly working against the PDP are still being tolerated." He lamented Wike's actions as those of an "ingrate, bent on destroying the PDP," the platform that brought him political relevance.
Despite his stringent criticisms of Wike and elements within the PDP, Lamido commended President Bola Tinubu. He praised Tinubu for his intervention that led to the reopening of the PDP secretariat after it was sealed and for issuing a 14-day ultimatum to defaulters for the payment of outstanding FCT ground rents. Lamido alleged that Wike orchestrated the closure of the PDP headquarters in an attempt "to curry favour with Tinubu" or for "eye service." However, Lamido predicted that this strategy would backfire, asserting, "Ironically, the man Wike is trying to impress was the one who called him to order. That tells you everything... Even Tinubu is beginning to see that Wike is unreliable, without tradition and pedigree. And I assure you, he will soon abandon him too."
The internal conflicts within the PDP, underscored by Lamido's outspoken stance, have reportedly plagued the party since 2022. These divisions are seen as a significant challenge as factions vie for influence and the party seeks to present a unified front ahead of the 2027 general elections. Lamido also voiced concerns about Nigeria potentially "sliding into a one-party state," describing such a scenario as "state-sponsored sabotage." The overall narrative suggests that the PDP's internal cohesion and its handling of figures like Wike are crucial for its ability to mount a credible challenge to President Tinubu’s administration and potential re-election bid.