The reported endorsement of former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as the consensus candidate for National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has triggered resistance from factions loyal to ex-Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.
The development comes ahead of the party’s National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a related arrangement, the Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, has reportedly emerged as the South-West consensus choice for the National Secretary position.
Despite signs of division, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, said the situation was under control, insisting that ongoing consultations would ensure that all interests are accommodated.
“We are working to carry everyone along,” Lawal assured after tensions surfaced over the choice of Turaki.
At the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee meeting on August 25 in Abuja, the PDP resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, while the National Chairmanship was reserved for the North.
Following that decision, Northern stakeholders met and further micro-zoned the chairmanship slot to the North-West.
By midweek, three influential figures — former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, and Turaki — had emerged as leading contenders for the position.
However, the endorsement of Turaki by some Northern leaders has deepened internal rivalry, particularly among supporters of Lamido and those aligned with Wike, who view the move as an attempt to sideline other influential blocs within the party.
Negotiations and political horse-trading are expected to intensify ahead of the Ibadan convention, as key actors seek to consolidate influence and shape the party’s direction heading into the 2027 general elections.
