Former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido Set to Pick PDP National Chairman Nomination Form Today.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu, Democracy Newsline Newspaper
October 27, 2025
In what many political watchers describe as a defining moment for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has officially declared his intention to vie for the position of National Chairman of the party.
Early Monday morning, Lamido released a statement confirming that he would visit the PDP’s National Headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, by 11:00 a.m. today, October 27, 2025, to purchase the nomination form.
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“By the grace of God, I shall today, Monday 27th October 2025, by 11 a.m., be at Wadata Plaza, the National Headquarters of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to purchase the nomination form to run for the office of the National Chairman of the Party,” Lamido said.
The former Minister of Foreign Affairs, who played a pivotal role as one of the founding members of the PDP, emphasized his lifelong commitment to the ideals of democracy, unity, and justice within the party.
“My commitment to democracy and my resolve to restore our dear party to its old glory is unstoppable,” he added.
Sule Lamido’s political journey spans over four decades, marked by consistency, outspokenness, and loyalty to the PDP since its formation in 1998. As Governor of Jigawa State from 2007 to 2015, Lamido earned national recognition for his developmental projects, reform-oriented governance, and emphasis on political inclusivity.
Before his tenure as governor, Lamido served as Minister of Foreign Affairs (1999–2003) under President Olusegun Obasanjo, where he was instrumental in reshaping Nigeria’s diplomatic relations, particularly within the African continent.
His decision to join the national chairmanship race comes at a time when the PDP is undergoing strategic reorganization aimed at repositioning itself as a formidable opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reactions within the PDP have been mixed but largely positive. Some party stalwarts describe Lamido’s move as “timely and rejuvenating,” citing his deep understanding of the party’s internal structure and his historical role in building its foundation.
A member of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC), who spoke to Democracy Newsline on condition of anonymity, remarked:
“Lamido represents the old guard of the PDP — the generation that built the party from scratch. His return to the national leadership race could signal a new wave of unity and discipline that the PDP badly needs.”
However, others within the party caution that the contest for the national chairmanship could become intensely competitive, as several other aspirants are also expected to declare interest in the coming days.
Political analysts note that Lamido’s entry could reshape the balance of power within the party, especially given his strong alliances across northern Nigeria and his longstanding relationships with other founding members.
The PDP, Nigeria’s oldest surviving political party, has faced internal challenges since its loss of federal power in 2015. The upcoming national convention, expected later this year, is seen as a critical opportunity for the party to redefine its leadership direction and rebuild public confidence.
Lamido’s candidacy is expected to ignite ideological debates about the party’s future—between the founding generation seeking restoration of core values, and a younger faction pushing for modernization and digital engagement in politics.
As the clock ticks toward 11 a.m. at Wadata Plaza, all eyes will be on Sule Lamido — the veteran politician whose bold step today could shape the next chapter of the PDP’s journey in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
