Chief Bode George, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, has affirmed that former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, is fully entitled to vie for the party’s national chairmanship.
Speaking on Tuesday’s edition of Politics Today on Channels Television, Chief George clarified that while the PDP often encouraged consensus candidates to foster unity, such arrangements do not bar other members from participating in elections.
“Some leaders may support one candidate as a consensus choice, but that does not prevent others from contesting.
“Governor Sule Lamido has the right to obtain the nomination form, submit it, and appear on convention day. Delegates will decide the outcome openly”, said George.
He also stressed that the PDP’s internal democracy allows every qualified member to pursue elective positions without hindrance.
“Consensus is meant to make the process smooth and peaceful, not mandatory,” George added, saying, “We have practised this before, and no member has ever been denied the opportunity to compete.”
George further issued a caution to members considering legal action over internal disputes, advising that party mechanisms should first be fully explored.
“This party does not belong to any individual. Before resorting to the courts, you must exhaust internal procedures. Failure to do so could attract disciplinary measures,” he warned.
While recognizing Lamido’s right to contest, George noted that taking the matter to court could invite sanctions from the PDP leadership.
“He is free to run, but legal action may be penalised by the party. Ultimately, the delegates attending the convention will make the final decision,” he said.
Earlier, Lamido had threatened to pursue legal action if he was denied access to the nomination form for the PDP national chairmanship ahead of the party’s forthcoming convention.
During a visit to the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, Lamido expressed surprise at being informed by the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, that they had no information regarding the form’s availability.
“I went to the office of the National Organising Secretary, where forms are usually distributed, but the office was locked.
“Both officials said they had no knowledge of the forms’ location or production. It is unusual that those responsible for the process are being left out, ” he told journalists.
Lamido, a founding member of the party, emphasised his entitlement to participate in the PDP’s internal democratic process and vowed to challenge any attempt to exclude him.
Subsequent reports indicated that the forms were under the supervision of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, who also serves as chairman of the PDP National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC).
