Chairmen Pass Vote of Confidence in State Leadership and Sule Lamido
In a major display of political solidarity, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Jigawa State has moved to quell rumors of internal division. On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the 27 local government party chairmen across the state officially passed a vote of confidence in the state executive committee and the national leadership role of former Governor Alhaji Sule Lamido.
This decisive move, announced after an emergency meeting in Dutse, is seen as a strategic effort to consolidate the party’s power base ahead of the upcoming electoral cycles. Led by the state chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Babandi, the party leadership emphasized that unity is the only path forward to reclaiming the state’s top seat and maintaining the PDP’s relevance in Northern Nigeria.
Solidifying the Foundation: The Sule Lamido Factor
For decades, Sule Lamido has remained the ideological heartbeat of the PDP in Jigawa. The recent vote of confidence serves as a public rebuff to any dissenting voices attempting to challenge his influence within the party structure.
- Elder Statesman Role: The chairmen highlighted Lamido’s “fatherly role” in guiding the party through turbulent political waters, especially during the current administration’s era.
- A Unified Front: By backing the state executive led by Ibrahim Babandi, the local government heads have effectively closed the door on parallel leadership claims that often plague opposition parties.
- Defending the Brand: The leadership noted that the PDP remains the most organized and grassroots-oriented party in Jigawa, citing the continued loyalty of the 27 local chapters as evidence.
Breakdown of the Vote of Confidence
The meeting wasn’t just a formality; it was a structured endorsement aimed at stabilizing the party’s internal machinery. The chairmen identified three core pillars of their support.
| Leadership Pillar | Current Status | Reason for Endorsement |
|---|---|---|
| Alhaji Sule Lamido | Visionary | Unwavering mentorship and immense national political influence. |
| Ibrahim Babandi | State Head | Transparent leadership and effective management of the 27 LGAs. |
| 27 LGA Chairmen | United Front | Total commitment to grassroots mobilization and party loyalty. |
| Jigawa PDP Strategy | Optimistic | Focus on reclaiming the Governorship and House seats in 2027. |
Addressing Internal Rumors and Defections
The vote of confidence comes amid a backdrop of intense political maneuvering in the North-West. Critics have often suggested that the PDP in Jigawa was losing its grip, but the party chairmen were quick to dismiss these claims as “propaganda from the ruling party.”
- Refuting Defections: Ibrahim Babandi clarified that while a few individuals may have left, the “engine room” of the PDP—the local chairmen and ward executives—remains 100% intact.
- Internal Democracy: The leadership stressed that the PDP is big enough to accommodate different views, but such views must be expressed within the party’s constitutional framework rather than through media blackmail.
- Mobilization Drive: The party announced a fresh membership drive starting in early 2026 to bring back former members who may have felt sidelined.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The political stability in Jigawa is a critical component for the PDP’s national ambitions. As the party prepares for the next general election, having a “house in order” in Jigawa provides a template for other state chapters facing internal friction. The chairmen vowed to begin immediate grassroots consultations to listen to the grievances of the masses and present the PDP as the only viable alternative to the current economic challenges facing the state.
Conclusion: A New Chapter of Loyalty
The vote of confidence passed by the 27 Jigawa PDP chairmen is more than just a headline; it is a shield against political instability. By reaffirming their loyalty to Alhaji Ibrahim Babandi and the legacy of Sule Lamido, the party has sent a clear message to its rivals: the PDP is not just surviving in Jigawa; it is preparing to lead. As the political season heats up, this show of unity may well be the catalyst the party needs to regain its former glory.
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