The race for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national chairmanship intensified on Monday as former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido publicly rejected the endorsement of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as the consensus candidate, vowing to contest the position at the party’s upcoming convention in Ibadan.
Lamido, a founding member and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced his bid via a Facebook post, emphasizing his commitment to restoring the party’s “old glory.”
His declaration came amid growing dissent from North West stakeholders, who accused PDP governors of bypassing consultations in selecting Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties from Kebbi State.
The controversy erupted after northern PDP governors, including Zamfara’s Dauda Lawal and Adamawa’s Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, endorsed Turaki following stakeholder meetings.
Lawal defended the process as constitutional, noting that consensus is a legitimate selection method under party rules, and described the backlash as “normal political dynamics.”
However, PDP chapters in Katsina and Jigawa, led by figures like Publicity Secretary Sani Dododo and National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, rejected the arrangement, insisting the North West zone deserves an open contest.
Fintiri, as NCOC Chairman, clarified that the endorsement does not bar other aspirants, but the rift has deepened party divisions ahead of the November 15-16 convention.
Turaki’s camp moved swiftly to solidify his position, submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms at the NCOC Secretariat in Abuja on the deadline day, October 27.
Accompanied by allies like Umar Sani, Turaki’s team confirmed the documents were acknowledged, awaiting screening. Sani dismissed Lamido’s grievances, stressing that consultations involved all relevant parties and that Turaki harbors no personal animosity, even citing a recent phone call between the two.
”This is a party matter, not personal,” Sani told reporters, underscoring Turaki’s long-standing loyalty to the PDP without prior elective ambitions beyond the presidency.
Lamido’s attempt to purchase his form at Wadata Plaza met with frustration, as no officials were available, leaving him visibly displeased. Speaking to journalists, the veteran politician accused the party of deliberate exclusion, labeling it “unacceptable and undemocratic.”
He warned of immediate legal action if denied access before the convention, stating, “If I am not able to get the form, I will go to court, simple.”
This echoes broader PDP tensions, including a failed court bid by Nyesom Wike loyalists to halt the convention, which a Federal High Court dismissed on October 9.
The PDP’s 102nd NEC meeting in August zoned the chairmanship to the North—specifically the North West—while reserving the 2027 presidential ticket for the South, a decision broadly supported but not without opposition.
Current Chairman Umar Damagun from Yobe State faces replacement amid calls for fresh leadership to unify the opposition ahead of 2027 polls.
Analysts warn that the chairmanship feud could spill into litigation, further eroding PDP cohesion at a time when it grapples with defections and internal rifts.
As the party suspends aspirant screenings until further notice—originally set for October 28—eyes remain on whether Lamido secures his form or heads to court.
Turaki’s backers express confidence in his unassailable lead, but the impasse highlights PDP’s struggle to balance zoning traditions with democratic openness. With the Ibadan convention looming, stakeholders urge dialogue to avert a full-blown crisis that could weaken the party’s electoral prospects.
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