At the parallel elective convention held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, the Wike-backed faction of the PDP (People’s Democratic Party) affirmed Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary by consensus, alongside several other officials across the party’s hierarchy.
The convention, organized by the Wike-led faction, happened despite the split in the leadership structure of the party.
Other positions filled at the gathering include deputy national chairmen for both regions, national treasurer, deputy national secretary, and additional members of the National Working Committee, reflecting what organisers described as a complete leadership structure for the faction.
Recall that ENigeria Newspaper reported that the Wike-backed group used a consensus technique to choose candidates for the roles. The leadership is anticipated to oversee the party’s operations for the ensuing four years.
The National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman, National Secretary and Deputy, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Organizing Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Auditor, Legal Advisor, Woman Leader, Youth Leader, and National Vice Chairman are the 19 members of the National Working Committee, according to the PDP Constitution (2017, as amended).
Amid these developments, Lamido, speaking at the party’s 10th Elective National Convention in Abuja, struck a conciliatory tone, warning that internal discord could undermine the party’s historic mission.
“I want to speak to you from the standpoint of the history of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria. I have listened to all the speakers, and I heard the chairman say we should reflect. Indeed, we should reflect.
“Where was the PDP in 1998? What lay before the PDP in 1998? What were the vision, the dream, and the wisdom of the founders of the PDP, our fathers?” he asked.
Reflecting on the party’s origins, Lamido linked its formation to a defining moment in Nigeria’s political history following the June 12 1993 presidential election annulment, noting that unity was the central objective at the time.
“In 1998, the main challenge before the PDP was national unity, especially in the aftermath of the events of June 12. In their wisdom, the leaders came together,” he said.
He recalled the early consultations that shaped the party, naming prominent figures such as Solomon Lar, Alex Ekwueme, Adamu Ciroma, Jerry Gana, Abubakar Rimi, and Sunday Awoniyi.
“We began that process because Nigeria had been diminished, yet it had an important role to play in the comity of nations; because Nigeria is the mother of the Black race; because Nigeria is a leader in Africa; and because Nigeria is endowed with vast human and material resources, a rich history, and a strong heritage. It was clear that Nigeria must play a leading role globally,” he said.
As the leadership tussle unfolds, Lamido cautioned against prioritising personal ambition over collective interest, stressing that sacrifice defined the PDP’s foundation.
“Therefore, we knew that sacrifice was essential; very, very important. Whatever we do, whatever role we play as individuals, Nigeria must remain the central focus. Personal interests and ambitions should have no place when Nigeria is at stake. That was why the PDP was founded,” he stated.
Addressing younger party members, he positioned himself as a link between generations while urging resilience despite ongoing challenges.
“I stand here as a bridge between the old order and the new order, to give you hope, to inspire you, and to motivate you. Do not give up. Stand for Nigeria,” he said.
He warned that Nigeria risks slipping back into pre-democratic divisions if unity is not prioritised.
“We are today where we were in 1998, confronted again by the dangers of tribal politics, religion, and ethnicity.
“There is no way this country can grow, no way it can move forward, if we are not united as Nigerians. Unity is the minimum benchmark for leadership,” he added.
In a direct appeal to aggrieved members and those who have exited the party, Lamido called for reconciliation and a return to shared ideals.
“Therefore, if we must truly lead, we must embrace a national collective vision, a national interest that unites us all.
“Today, I am encouraged. Despite our difficulties, the PDP is once again trying to reinvent itself,” he said.
“I appeal to those who are aggrieved: please reconsider your position.
“When you speak about the PDP, you are speaking about the Nigerian family. It is not about any individual, ego, or ambition. The PDP is present in every village, in every home.
“Many of the other parties we see today were, in one way or another, products of the PDP. If you examine them closely, you will find that many of their key figures emerged from this party.
“Therefore, I appeal to you: if you have left your home, come back. This is your home. This is the party that honoured you, that gave you opportunities to serve as president, governor, minister, or in other capacities. Come back to the PDP.
“What we see here today; the commitment, the enthusiasm, the zeal, the sense of brotherhood and sisterhood, should guide us.
“I urge those who are outside to return. We are ready to forgive; we are willing to move forward for the sake of Nigeria and for the sake of the PDP. Let us embrace unity.
“This is not about any individual. The PDP cannot be appropriated or owned by anyone. It belongs to all Nigerians.
“So stay focused. Stay committed. The journey ahead is difficult, but it is a journey for those with courage, conviction, and character,” Lamido said.
