Bode George: Lamido Is Free To Contest PDP Chairmanship But Can Be Punished For Going To Court

Despite the campaign for a consensus candidate, Bode George, a former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has stated that the party has not prohibited anyone from running for its national chairmanship position in its election convention in November 2025.

In response to former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido’s interest in the post, George stated that Lamido has every right to run for the PDP national leadership.

He maintained that each candidate is free to choose the form and run for any position of interest, even though the party is pushing for a consensus candidate.

Delegates would vote during the convention, according to George, and the consensus decision is not binding on any candidate.

“In the PDP, this has been standard procedure. It doesn’t imply others can’t compete just because some leaders get together to endorse a single candidate.

“You want the process to be smooth and non-aggressive. The party has never informed anyone that they are ineligible to run. The right to compete belongs to Governor Sule Lamido.

On the day of the convention, he can pick up the form, fill it out, and show up. We’re going to cast our votes. In Tuesday’s episode of Politics Today on Channels Television, George said, “That is the practice in our party.”

It was recalled that Lamido had shown interest in the role of PDP National Chairman but bemoaned the fact that, when he went to the secretariat on Monday to buy the nomination and expression of interest forms, he was turned away.

If the PDP does not allow him to run in the upcoming party convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, he has vowed to file a lawsuit.

In response to his warning, George, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BOT), stated that although Lamido had every right to run for office, going to court before using all internal party channels to settle internal conflicts could result in penalties.

“No person is the owner of this party. You must exhaust the party’s internal dynamics before bringing them to court. You may be punished if you don’t do it,” he stated.

George reiterated that Lamido is free to run, but cautioned against filing a lawsuit. He also promised that the convention would be held in a free and impartial environment.

He is so utilizing his legal rights. However, he may face consequences if he goes to court for this. Let him go; he can compete and no one will stop him in any way. The delegates present at the convention will make the ultimate choice, and it will be done in an open manner, George said.