Jigawa PDP group rebukes Wike over smear campaign against Lamido

A recently alleged sponsored article entitled, “You were part of rebellion against PDP in 2014” linked to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike has sparked outrage among Concerned PDP Members in Jigawa State, prompting a strong rebuttal.

Arewa PUNCH recalls that last Sunday on November 10, 2024 in Abuja, some youths in the Northern part of Nigeria, under the aegis of the Northern Youths Movement in a statement issued and signed by its Chairman, Mallam Ishaya Jato, counselled the former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, to stop disgracing the North.

The group had further berated the ex-Jigawa governor of  constantly embarrassing the north,  saying that being elderly is not a licence to disparage the reputation of others.

NYM was reported to have further responded to Lamido’s recent diatribe against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Chief Nyesom Wike, calling him a “small boy in PDP history,” and asking “where he was in 1999.”

Our correspondent learnt that the NYM’s statement provoked numerous members of the opposition Party (PDP) allies who are not on the same page with the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, including those supporting the political ideology of the former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, thus necessitating the reactions from the PDP Concerned Members, Jigawa State Chapter.

A top PDP chieftain in Jigawa State who wants anonymity for fear of being accused of siding one of the warring politicians against the other, noted that the statement “serves as a powerful rebuke against what it’s members considered as a ghosting act alleged to have been sponsored by the Wike group to destabilise the PDP and it’s bigwigs.”

Meanwhile, in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Dutse, the Jigawa State Capital, by the Jigawa Chapter of the Concerned PDP Members, titled: ‘Lamido, Not a Political Rebel but a Nationalist with Patriotic Stance that is no Match to Wike,’ said the NYM and Wike’s move is a malicious attempt to tarnish Dr. Sule Lamido’s reputation.

The Concerned PDP’s statement, signed by its Jigawa State leader Hon. Muhammad Mago condemned the article as a blatant misrepresentation of facts designed to portray Dr. Lamido, in a negative light and attributed the alleged smear campaign to Nyesom Wike, the current FCT Minister, who is accused of working to destabilise the PDP.

According to Muhammad Mago, Chairman of the Jigawa PDP Concerned, “the statement made by the so-called and perhaps not existing NYM and its chairman is a malicious attempt to tarnish Dr. Sule Lamido’s reputation.”

Wike’s actions, Mago argued, “demonstrate a pattern of draconian politics” and “disloyalty to the PDP,” adding that Wike has abandoned the party and is now working with the APC, having accepted a ministerial position.

In contrast, Mr. Muhammad Mago revealed that, “Dr. Lamido is hailed as a true nationalist and political icon. Being a founding member of the PDP, he (Lamido) has consistently supported the party’s success.

“His impressive political record includes serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs under President Olusegun Obasanjo and Governor of Jigawa State from 2007 to 2015.”

Mago emphasised that “Dr. Lamido will not engage with Wike’s alleged provocations, as he remains committed to national interest above personal gain,” stressing that “Dr. Lamido’s radical posture has always prioritised national interest, making him a respected leader.”

Another baseless claim raised by the NYM statement, according to Mago, is that Sule Lamido imposed his son, Dr. Mustapha, as the PDP candidate in the last gubernatorial election.

To this allegation, Mago also clarified, “Dr. Mustapha earned the nomination through his own merit and rigorous campaigning.”

However, the Concerned PDP Members, according to their statement, urge the public to disregard the malicious article and recognise Lamido’s unwavering dedication to the PDP and national progress.

“Dr. Lamido’s legacy speaks for itself, marked by his instrumental role in President Obasanjo’s emergence and resolving the political crisis following President Umar Musa ‘Yar’Adua’s demise.”

The chapter, therefore, reaffirmed its support for Dr. Lamido, while equally acknowledging his tireless efforts to promote the PDP’s success nationwide.

The caucus leader who assured the caucus that “Wike’s actions will not go unchecked” and urged party members to remain vigilant against such divisive tactics.

The statement concluded with a call to action and encouraged PDP members to unite against malicious attempts to undermine the party’s unity.

“As the PDP continues to navigate internal conflicts, Dr. Lamido remains a steadfast and respected leader.

“Lamido’s commitment to national interest and the PDP’s success is unwavering and in the face of baseless attacks, his legacy and dedication to the PDP will endure,” the statement contained.

The Concerned PDP Members in Jigawa State further assured to continue to defend Dr. Lamido against such malicious smears.