Former Peoples Democratic Party Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, has made it clear that Sule Lamido is not excluded from the race for the party’s national chairmanship ahead of the November 2025 elective convention. However, he also warned that any move to drag the party to court without first using its internal channels could come with consequences.
The PDP chieftain gave the clarification while speaking on television, where he addressed growing questions over whether Lamido had been unfairly blocked from entering the contest. His comments suggest that, despite internal consultations around a preferred candidate, the party still recognises the right of any qualified member to purchase forms and test support at the convention.
According to Gossip News Now, Bode George explained that the PDP has often tried to reduce tension before major contests by encouraging agreement around a consensus figure. Still, he insisted that such an arrangement has never automatically shut the door on other aspirants who want to join the race through the normal democratic process.
In his view, the idea behind consensus is mainly to make the contest smoother and less confrontational, not to deny anyone participation. He stressed that Lamido, like any other eligible party member, remains entitled to obtain the necessary forms, complete the process, and appear before delegates on convention day for voting.
The controversy surrounding the matter escalated after Lamido reportedly claimed he was prevented from buying the expression of interest and nomination forms when he visited the PDP national secretariat. That development fueled concerns that the process may have been tilted against him before the party gathers in Ibadan, Oyo State, for the convention.
Lamido’s reaction to that alleged obstruction was strong, as he reportedly threatened legal action if he continued to face barriers in his attempt to contest. That threat has now become a major part of the debate, with party elders watching closely to see whether the disagreement remains internal or turns into a full legal confrontation.
Bode George responded by drawing a line between political ambition and party discipline. While reaffirming Lamido’s right to contest, he cautioned that taking the PDP to court before exhausting the mechanisms available within the party could expose the former Jigawa governor to sanctions. His position was that internal disputes should first be managed through the party’s own constitutional procedures.
Seen differently, George’s message carried two parts at once: reassurance and warning. On one hand, he said no one should prevent Lamido from contesting. On the other, he argued that the party cannot ignore members who bypass internal resolution steps and immediately resort to litigation over party affairs.
He also emphasized that the PDP does not belong to any single individual and that all aspirants must operate within the structure and rules of the organisation. For George, the legitimacy of the contest will ultimately rest with the delegates, who are expected to make the final choice through what he described as an open and transparent process at the convention.
Commentary and Analysis
This development highlights the familiar tension inside major political parties between consensus-building and open competition. While consensus can reduce internal division, it often creates suspicion when other aspirants feel they are being quietly edged out before the formal process even begins.
Bode George’s intervention appears aimed at calming fears of exclusion while also protecting the party from a potentially embarrassing legal battle. By saying Lamido is free to contest, he tries to project fairness. By warning against court action, he also sends a message that the PDP wants disputes resolved internally to avoid public damage.
The bigger issue may be trust in the process. If aspirants believe access to nomination forms or party procedures can be influenced behind the scenes, tensions are likely to rise no matter what official assurances are given. That is why the handling of Lamido’s complaint could affect not only the chairmanship race but also wider perceptions of internal democracy in the PDP.
As the convention approaches, the party will need to balance unity with credibility. Allowing every qualified aspirant a fair chance to compete may be the strongest way to avoid deeper division, especially at a time when the PDP is under pressure to project order and readiness ahead of future political battles.
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