Today in Nigerian History: Solomon Lar, PDP Founding Chairman, Dies at 80
Solomon Daushep Lar, a prominent Nigerian politician, former Plateau State governor and pioneer national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), died on October 9, 2013, at the age of 80. His death was announced by Jonah Jang, who was serving as governor of Plateau State at the time.
Born on April 4, 1933, in Pangna, Langtang, in present-day Plateau State, Lar played significant roles in Nigeria’s political development, from the pre-independence era to the return to democratic government in 1999.
From Teacher to Politician
Lar began his career in education after attending Sudan United Mission Primary School in Langtang and Gindiri Teachers College, where he received his teaching qualifications. He subsequently taught at primary and senior primary school levels before entering politics.
In January 1959, he was elected a councillor in the Langtang Native Authority. Later that year, on December 12, he won election to the Federal Parliament under the United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC). He retained his parliamentary seat in 1964.
During the First Republic, Lar served as parliamentary secretary to Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and later held a junior ministerial position in the Federal Ministry of Establishments.
Legal Career and Governorship of Plateau State
After studying law at Ahmadu Bello University, Lar graduated in 1970 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1971. He established a private legal practice and became involved in professional and public institutions, including the Nigerian Legal Aid Association.
Lar later joined the Nigerian People's Party (NPP), which nominated him as its presidential candidate in 1978. In the 1979 elections, he won the Plateau State governorship, becoming the state's first executive governor under Nigeria's Second Republic. His deputy was Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma.
His time in office was interrupted by the military takeover led by General Muhammadu Buhari in December 1983. Lar was among the former civilian governors tried by military tribunals and was sentenced to 88 years in prison. He was subsequently released under General Ibrahim Babangida's administration.
Role in the Formation of the PDP
Lar remained active in Nigerian politics after his release. He briefly served as Minister of Police Affairs under General Sani Abacha but resigned after becoming dissatisfied with the administration's commitment to returning the country to democratic rule.
In 1998, as Nigeria prepared for another transition to civilian government, Lar became the first national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party. He held the position until 2002, when he handed over to Barnabas Gemade.
He continued to influence political developments within the party, including during the disagreements between President Olusegun Obasanjo and Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Lar supported Atiku during their political fallout and backed his presidential ambition in 2007.
In February 2010, then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan appointed Lar to lead a presidential committee tasked with recommending measures to prevent further violence in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
Solomon Lar's Death
On October 9, 2013, Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang announced Lar's death following a prolonged illness. He died in a hospital in the United States at the age of 80.
Lar is remembered for his contributions to Nigeria's political history, including his participation in pre-independence politics, leadership of Plateau State during the Second Republic and role in establishing the PDP as a major political party in Nigeria's Fourth Republic.
His political career spanned several periods of Nigeria's history, making him a notable figure in the country's transition from colonial rule to parliamentary government, military administration and democratic governance.
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