By Ibrahim Muhammad
There are strong indications that former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, was edged out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national chairmanship race due to concerns over his age.
Lamido, who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s first term, was unable to secure the nomination form for the upcoming elective convention scheduled to hold in Oyo State.
The former governor had expressed his displeasure over the development and threatened to challenge the decision in court, insisting on his right to contest. His move followed reports that the PDP Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) had already endorsed former Minister of Special Duties under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as their consensus candidate for the position.
However, a member of the PDP Governors’ Forum, who spoke to The Guardian on condition of anonymity, explained that the governors considered several key factors before reaching their decision.
“In the first place, do you know how old Sule Lamido is? He turned 77 last August. Leadership isn’t necessarily about age, but we do not want a repeat of the party’s past challenges experienced under Bamanga Tukur’s leadership,” the source stated.
The development has reportedly sparked internal debate within the party, as some members question the transparency of the selection process ahead of the convention.
