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 November 2025 electoral convention.
In light of 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 in spite of the party’s desire for a consensus candidate.
Delegates would vote during the convention, according to George, and the consensus decision is not legally binding on any candidate.
This has been a standard procedure within the PDP. It doesn’t mean that others can’t compete just because some leaders get together to back a single candidate.
“You want the procedure to be smooth and non-aggressive. Although we’ve done this before, the party has never informed anyone that they are unable to run for office. Governor Sule Lamido is eligible to participate.
“He can obtain the form, complete it, and show up on the day of the convention. We’ll cast our votes. During Tuesday’s Politics Today on Channels Television, George said, “That is the practice in our party.”
It was recalled that Lamido had shown interest in the PDP National Chairman post, but when he went to the secretariat on Monday to buy the nomination and expression of interest forms, he bemoaned being refused them.
If the PDP does not allow him to run in the upcoming party convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, he has vowed to take legal action.
In response to his warning, George, a PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) member, 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 one is the owner of this party. You must exhaust the party’s internal dynamics before bringing legal action. You can 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 an open and equitable environment.
Thus, he is using his legal rights. However, he may face consequences if he appears in court for this. Let him go; he can compete and no one will deny him any form. Delegates present at the convention will make the ultimate choice, and it will be done in an open manner, George said.
