•Lamido signals readiness for alliances

Former governor Ahmed Makarfi of Kaduna State has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would emerge better and stronger from its current challenges.

Makarfi spoke at the Southern Kaduna PDP Stakeholders’ Summit in Kafanchan, headquarters of Jema’a Local Government Area yesterday.

The summit had the theme: ‘Get strengthened: “A wake-up call to PDP members.”

According to him, no party can survive what the PDP has been through in the recent years, arguing that many would have since folded up by now.

He urged the party’s members to remain resolute, focused and united as the preparations for the 2027 General Elections begin in 2026.

Makarfi also cautioned against money politics during party primaries, urging the members to select principled and credible candidates who can truly represent the interests of the people.

“We must go for people with capacity and principle because the future of the party depends on such people,” he stated

In his remarks, the state PDP Chairman, Edward Marsha, commended the party faithful for the trust and confidence reposed in the current leadership.

Marsha explained that the exit of some persons from the PDP had paved the way for a new generation of leaders that would position the party for future success.

Also speaking, Danjuma Akuso, Southern Kaduna PDP Zonal Chairman, dismissed concerns over defections, stating that the PDP remained deeply rooted in the area.

Akuso explained that no other party can match PDP’s developmental strides in the area and the state at large.

Nuhu Bajoga and Felix Hyet, former deputy governor and the immediate past Kaduna State PDP Chairman, respectively, reiterated readiness to reclaim power in 2027.

Other stakeholders highlighted the party’s legacy in Southern Kaduna, particularly during the Makarfi administration. They claimed that the PDP “liberated” the zone through the creation of chiefdoms and the transformation of rural infrastructure, including roads development.

In a related development, former Jigawa State governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has warned that the deepening leadership crisis could undermine the party’s role as Nigeria’s principal opposition.

Lamido at a stakeholders’ meeting of the party in his Kano residence, said the gathering was meant to brief the party members on ongoing efforts to resolve the lingering internal rift.

He disclosed that he had begun consultations with the PDP Governors and the Chairman of the party’s Reconciliation Committee, Dr.  Bukola Saraki, to chart a way forward, with further talks scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Lamido urged party loyalists to remain patient and avoid actions that could inflame tensions. “In spite of its challenges, the PDP remained the only viable opposition capable of restoring political stability, economic growth and security in Nigeria.”

Lamido also called on Nigerians to embrace patriotism, dedication and sacrifice, stressing that such values are essential to rebuilding the nation.

Addressing Jigawa party members, Lamido assured that “they would be free to contest the 2027 general elections on the PDP platform” and urged them to take the message to the grassroots.

While not ruling out future alliances, Lamido said any such move would be considered only after all the internal mechanisms for resolving the party’s differences had been exhausted.