Bode George Cautions Lamido Against Legal Threat Over PDP Chairmanship Form

Elder statesman and member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Chief Bode George, has faulted former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, for threatening to drag the party to court over alleged denial of access to the nomination form for the national chairmanship position.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, George stated that although every party member reserves the right to contest for any position, resorting to litigation without following the party’s internal conflict-resolution process was both improper and sanctionable.

“This party belongs to no one. There are internal procedures for resolving disputes, and anyone who fails to follow them before going to court risks disciplinary action,” George said.

He explained that the PDP often encourages consensus arrangements in its internal elections to maintain peace and cohesion but emphasised that such agreements do not exclude other aspirants from contesting.

“Consensus helps make our process smoother and less hostile. It is an option, not an imposition. If a few members agree on a candidate, others can still compete freely,” he said.

According to George, Lamido remains free to purchase the form and test his popularity at the convention, where delegates will ultimately decide who becomes the next chairman.

“He can buy the form, submit it, and show up on election day. Delegates will vote for their preferred candidate. That is how the PDP has always functioned,” he added.

Lamido had earlier visited the PDP national secretariat in Abuja, where he expressed frustration after being unable to obtain the nomination form. He claimed that both the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, said they were unaware of the form’s availability.

“I found it odd that those responsible for managing the process seemed unaware of the forms’ existence. It raises questions about transparency within the system,” Lamido remarked.

Chief George, however, maintained that discipline, order, and respect for internal party structures remain the cornerstone of the PDP, warning that bypassing due process could destabilise the organisation.