“You Can’t Own The PDP”: Bode George Blasts Sule Lamido Over Threat To Sue Party

A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Chief Bode George, has criticised former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, for threatening to take legal action against the party over alleged denial of access to the nomination form for the position of national chairman.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, George said while Lamido has every right to contest for any elective office within the PDP, heading to court without first exploring the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms would be improper and sanctionable.

“This party is not owned by any individual. Before taking the party to court, you must exhaust the internal dynamics of the party. If you fail to do that, you can be punished,” George warned.

The PDP chieftain explained that the party encourages consensus-building in its internal elections to maintain unity and reduce tension, but such arrangements do not prevent anyone from contesting.

“The fact that some leaders converge to support one person as a consensus candidate doesn’t mean others cannot compete,” he clarified. “The consensus option is only meant to make the process peaceful and non-combative.”

Reaffirming Lamido’s eligibility to run, George stressed that the final decision on who becomes the PDP’s next national chairman rests with the delegates.

“He can get the form, fill it, and appear on the convention day. We will vote. That is the practice in our party,” he added.

Lamido had on Monday expressed frustration after visiting the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, claiming he was unable to obtain the nomination form for the chairmanship position. He said both the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, were unaware of the form’s availability.

Despite the controversy, George urged Lamido to follow due process and avoid dragging the party’s internal affairs before the courts, reiterating that no member is above the party’s constitution or procedures.