Former Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Sule Lamido is spearheading efforts to rescue the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from an escalating crisis. Lamido emphasized that, regardless of any court ruling, only a political solution can revive the struggling party.

His initiative follows a similar effort by former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki. Concerned about the persistent internal conflicts that have plagued the PDP since its shocking loss to the then-opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015, Lamido recently met with former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi at his residence in Kaduna.

Lamido confirmed the meeting, stressing the urgent need for party leaders to unite and chart a way forward. He added that he plans to meet other senior PDP figures, including Saraki, to discuss strategies for stabilizing the party.

He urged party leaders not to wait for any court verdict before taking action, highlighting that the PDP is an institution bigger than any individual’s “ego or pride.” Lamido said:

“It is true I met with His Excellency, Makarfi. Our mission is to save the PDP. We need to convene a meeting before the court delivers judgment to calm frayed nerves. We must engage our governors, BoT chairman and members, and other stakeholders. Those fueling internal disputes must sheath their swords. PDP is bigger than the pride and ego of any of us. Our governors must stop personal attacks while the party suffers. At this stage, a political solution is needed. We must reach out to aggrieved members, including Wike, Bala Mohammed, Makinde, and Fintiri, so that before the court verdict comes, we have moved forward.”

Lamido’s approach aligns closely with Saraki’s earlier recommendations before and after the Ibadan PDP convention. Saraki had consistently urged party leaders to manage conflicts internally rather than resorting to court, warning that litigation would hinder unity and progress. He also cautioned against factionalisation, noting that dividing the party would benefit its political opponents.

Saraki had further advised halting the convention and establishing a caretaker committee to reconcile factions and resolve issues, but party leaders ignored these recommendations, proceeding with a convention that has since proven ineffective.