Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and member of the Board of Trustees, Bode George, has advised former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, to reconsider his threat to sue the party following his failed attempt to obtain the National Chairmanship nomination form.
Lamido had reportedly visited the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja to purchase the form but was unable to do so as the designated officer in charge was unavailable. The situation prompted him to threaten legal action against the party.
Reacting to the development during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, October 28, George said such a move would be inappropriate and could attract disciplinary action from the party.
He insisted that Lamido, like every other member, had the right to contest for the position but must follow the party’s internal procedures before taking any drastic step.
“You want to make the process seamless and non-combative. We’ve done this before, but the party has never told anyone they cannot contest. Governor Sule Lamido has the right to compete,” George said.
READ ALSO: PDP Chairmanship Row: Sule Lamido Threatens Legal Steps Over Denied Form
“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.
George further noted that the PDP operates as a collective entity and that no individual has exclusive control over its affairs.
“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,” he warned.
According to him, while Lamido’s interest in the position is legitimate, resorting to litigation without following due process could be seen as an act of indiscipline.
“So, he is exercising his rights. But if he goes to court for this, he can be punished. Let him go, nobody will deny him any form, and he can compete.
“The final decision will be by delegates attending the convention, and it will be done openly,” George stated.