Bode George warns Sule Lamido to follow PDP rules in the national chairmanship race, cautioning against legal action and urging internal dispute resolution.
A senior member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Bode George, has cautioned former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido over his intentions regarding the PDP national chairmanship race.
George warned that Lamido risks disciplinary action if he bypasses the party’s internal procedures and resorts to legal action.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, George affirmed that while Lamido has every right to contest for the PDP national chairmanship, he must respect the party’s internal mechanisms for conflict resolution.
“The PDP has always encouraged members to contest fairly while also promoting unity through consensus. No one is barred from participation, but internal procedures must be followed,” George explained.
He clarified that while some party leaders may rally behind a consensus candidate, this does not prevent other aspirants from vying for the PDP national chairmanship.
“Consensus is a tool to maintain harmony, not a barrier to competition. Governor Sule Lamido has the right to compete. He can obtain the nomination form, fill it, and appear on convention day. Delegates will vote, and the process will be conducted transparently,” George said.
George further emphasized that bypassing the party’s internal conflict-resolution channels could attract sanctions. “This party is not owned by any individual. Members must exhaust internal dynamics before considering legal action. Failure to do so can lead to disciplinary measures,” he warned.
The caution comes after Lamido reportedly visited the PDP national secretariat in Abuja to secure a nomination form for the PDP national chairmanship race ahead of the party’s convention.
Reports indicate that the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, told Lamido that the form was not yet available. Frustrated, Lamido threatened to take legal action to ensure his participation.
Bode George urged Lamido to remain patient and follow due process. “He is exercising his rights. But going to court before exhausting party channels could result in punishment. Let him compete—no one will deny him, but the proper procedure must be respected,” George added.
The PDP national chairmanship contest has historically been a sensitive issue due to the party’s diverse membership and internal politics. Leaders often encourage consensus candidates to maintain cohesion, yet the party’s constitution guarantees every member the right to contest. George stressed that this approach balances unity with democratic competition.
“In the PDP, we value both fairness and harmony. Consensus helps prevent disputes, but it does not prevent aspirants from competing. Ultimately, delegates decide, and the process is transparent and democratic,” George said.
Political observers note that Lamido’s threat of legal action reflects broader tensions within the PDP regarding leadership positions.
The national chairmanship is considered pivotal in shaping party strategy, making the contest highly significant. George reinforced that aspirants should trust the party’s systems to ensure fair outcomes.
“Legal battles inside the party are counterproductive. Members must exhaust all internal avenues first. This preserves the party’s integrity and ensures a transparent selection for the PDP national chairmanship,” George emphasized.
As the PDP prepares for its national convention, all aspirants, including Lamido, are expected to follow proper procedures to obtain forms and present themselves to delegates. The convention will ultimately decide the next leader, reflecting the party’s commitment to internal democracy and fairness.
While Sule Lamido has every right to contest the PDP national chairmanship, Bode George’s warning underscores the need to respect party rules and internal dispute mechanisms. Legal action before exhausting these channels could trigger sanctions, but following proper procedures ensures aspirants compete freely and transparently.
The upcoming PDP convention remains critical as it balances internal consensus with competitive democracy. How aspirants navigate these procedures will influence not only the PDP national chairmanship outcome but also the party’s unity and strategic direction in national politics.
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