Sule Lamido, the former Governor of Jigawa State, has announced his intention to boycott all Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) activities and meetings until Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and other individuals he describes as “impostors” are expelled from the party.
Lamido, a founding member of the PDP and vocal critic of Wike’s recent influence in party matters, was noticeably absent from the PDP NEC meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.
Lamido expressed deep frustration in a statement released ahead of the meeting, accusing Wike and others of undermining the PDP’s unity and credibility, and working against the party’s interests during the 2023 general elections.
Lamido told journalists on Tuesday that Wike’s ongoing presence in the PDP is a threat to the party’s peace and stability.
“Wike is a disaster. He is a product of the PDP, made relevant by the party, nurtured and celebrated by the party. But today, he turns around to destroy it,” Lamido said.
“I cannot sit in the same meeting with impostors. Until the party removes these people, I will not attend PDP meetings. I am still a loyal member, but I won’t dignify this rot.”
The ex-governor also criticised the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for sealing the PDP national secretariat a move he attributed to Wike.
“To seal the PDP secretariat, an institution that gave you life, is un-African, un-Nigerian, and a total abuse of power,” he said.
“Wike’s thinking is warped. He lacks the cultural and moral grounding that our political tradition demands.”
Lamido faulted the PDP’s national working committee (NWC) for failing to expel Wike and other members accused of engaging in anti-party activities.
“What exactly is the NWC afraid of?” he asked.
“Why hasn’t Wike been expelled? Why is Samuel Ortom (former governor of Benue) still on the board of trustees after publicly endorsing Tinubu?
“These are fundamental breaches. If this party is to survive, it must cleanse itself.”
Lamido commended President Bola Tinubu for issuing a 14-day ultimatum to defaulters to pay FCT ground rent.
He said Wike ordered the closure of the PDP headquarters to curry Tinubu’s favour, adding that the president would eventually abandon him for engaging in eye service.
“Ironically, the man Wike is trying to impress was the one who called him to order. That tells you everything,” Lamido said.
“Even Tinubu is beginning to see that Wike is unreliable, without tradition and pedigree. And I assure you, he will soon abandon him too.”
Lamido also addressed concerns about a one-party state, saying it is “state-sponsored sabotage”.
The PDP has been grappling with internal crisis since 2022.
