Demands for the Exclusion of Wike, Ortom, and Ikpeazu from the PDP Called by Lamido
Former Jigawa Governor Calls for Expulsion of PDP Members
In a recent appearance on Channels Television's Politics Today, former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to expel members who openly campaigned against the party during the 2023 general elections.
Lamido named three specific individuals who, according to him, should face immediate expulsion: Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory; Samuel Ortom, former Governor of Benue State; and Okezie Ikpeazu, former Governor of Abia State.
The former governor emphasized that this call follows a longstanding culture of impunity in the party and the need for the National Working Committee (NWC) to enforce disciplinary actions according to the party constitution. He accused the PDP of tolerating this culture, where members undermine its unity without consequences.
Lamido stated that despite provisions in the party's constitution for sanctions, the leadership had allowed such behavior to persist for over 18 months. He also accused some members, driven by personal ambition, of turning against the PDP after the party's 2022 primaries.
The NWC stressed that it would not condone actions capable of undermining the party's cohesion and electoral prospects. They warned members openly expressing support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections to desist or face sanctions.
In a show of dissatisfaction, Lamido has announced he will boycott Board of Trustees meetings until disciplinary action is taken against those who worked against the PDP. The PDP's executives, according to Lamido, are not taking action against members who breach the party's code.
The NWC described such conduct as anti-party and a violation of the PDP constitution. They emphasized the need for unity and cohesion within the party to ensure its success in future elections.
As the PDP prepares for the 2027 elections, the calls for discipline and unity within the party are growing louder. The outcome of these calls could shape the party's electoral prospects in the coming years.
- In response to the persisting culture of impunity, Sule Lamido, former Jigawa State Governor, has advocated for the expulsion of PDP members who publicly worked against the party during the 2023 elections, naming Nyesom Wike, Samuel Ortom, and Okezie Ikpeazu.
- Members who openly support President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 elections, according to the PDP's NWC, are likely to face sanctions due to their actions potentially undermining the party's cohesion and electoral prospects.
- Despite the PDP's constitution stipulating sanctions for such conduct, Sule Lamido has expressed dissatisfaction as the party's executives seem slow to take disciplinary action against members who breach the party's code.
- As the PDP gears up for the 2027 elections, internal calls for enforcing discipline and unity within the party to ensure electoral success continue to escalate, potentially influencing the party's future elections outcomes.
