Lamido Pleads To Defectors To Come Back To PDP
Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, on Sunday urged aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and those who have left the party to return, calling for unity and a renewed commitment to the national interest.
Speaking at the PDP’s 10th Elective National Convention in Abuja, Lamido said the party must reflect on its founding ideals and the sacrifices that shaped its emergence in 1998.
“I want to speak to you from the standpoint of the history of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria. I have listened to all the speakers, and I heard the chairman say we should reflect. Indeed, we should reflect.
“Where was the PDP in 1998? What lay before the PDP in 1998? What were the vision, the dream, and the wisdom of the founders of the PDP, our fathers?” he asked.
Lamido recalled that the party was formed at a critical period following the crisis triggered by the annulment of the June 12 1993 presidential election, which heightened divisions across the country.
“In 1998, the main challenge before the PDP was national unity, especially in the aftermath of the events of June 12. In their wisdom, the leaders came together,” he said.
Lamido listed key figures involved in the party’s early formation, including the late Solomon Lar, Alex Ekwueme, Adamu Ciroma, Jerry Gana, Abubakar Rimi and Sunday Awoniyi, noting that consultations began as early as 1996–97 during Nigeria’s transition to civilian rule.
“We began that process because Nigeria had been diminished, yet it had an important role to play in the comity of nations; because Nigeria is the mother of the Black race; because Nigeria is a leader in Africa; and because Nigeria is endowed with vast human and material resources, a rich history, and a strong heritage. It was clear that Nigeria must play a leading role globally,” he said.
He emphasised that sacrifice and a focus on the national interest, rather than personal ambition, were central to the PDP’s founding.
“Therefore, we knew that sacrifice was essential; very, very important. Whatever we do, whatever role we play as individuals, Nigeria must remain the central focus. Personal interests and ambitions should have no place when Nigeria is at stake. That was why the PDP was founded,” he said.
Addressing younger Nigerians, Lamido said many may not fully appreciate the efforts of the party’s founding fathers, describing himself as a bridge between generations.
“I stand here as a bridge between the old order and the new order, to give you hope, to inspire you, and to motivate you. Do not give up. Stand for Nigeria,” he said.
He warned that the country risks returning to the same divisions that existed before the return to democratic rule.
“We are today where we were in 1998, confronted again by the dangers of tribal politics, religion, and ethnicity.
Lamido called on party members to embrace a collective national vision and set aside grievances.
Lamido appealed directly to defectors to return, describing the PDP as a political home with deep roots across the country.
