As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gears up for its much-anticipated national convention in November, Northern leaders of the party have agreed to zone the national chairmanship position to the North-West. The decision, taken to foster unity and stability within the party, is seen as a strategic move ahead of the crucial exercise scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State.
Reliable sources within the party told The PUNCH that at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja last weekend, leaders from the North resolved to allow the North-West to produce the next national chairman. The three northern geopolitical zones, which are North-West, North-East, and North-Central are expected to finalise consensus candidates for key party positions within the week.
Among those being considered for the top position are former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki (SAN), and former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi. However, Turaki is said to be enjoying an early edge, with support from influential stakeholders, including several PDP governors.
A senior party official also told The PUNCH that Turaki might emerge as the party’s next chairman, noting that despite ongoing tensions, discussions are progressing smoothly.
“The noise and disagreements ahead of the convention are normal in a democratic setting,” the source said. “The key thing is that consultations are ongoing. Northern leaders, including governors, ex-governors, and lawmakers, met over the weekend and agreed that the chairmanship should go to the North-West.”
He added that the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and South-West would all hold internal meetings this week to produce consensus candidates for their allocated offices.
“If Turaki emerges as consensus candidate, he will resign from his current role as Co-Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee to formally join the race,” the source said.
Currently, several key National Working Committee (NWC) positions are already held by Northerners, including the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman (North), National Legal Adviser, and National Organising Secretary.
Wike’s Camp Unhappy as Legal Dispute Deepens
While preparations for the convention continue, internal discontent remains, especially among allies of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who have expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum.
Wike’s supporters are reportedly frustrated over unresolved leadership tussles in some states, including Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau, as well as over issues surrounding the micro-zoning of elective offices.
The internal wrangling has now spilled into the courts. In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/25, PDP chairmen from Imo and Abia States, Austin Nwachukwu and Amah Nnanna alongside Turnah George, the South-South Zonal Secretary, accused the Damagum-led NWC of violating the party’s constitution.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, adjourned the matter after disputes arose over who was authorised to represent the PDP in court between its Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), or Chief Chris Uche (SAN).
Following a letter signed by 14 NWC members on October 16 endorsing Uche’s appointment, Ajibade insisted that only a national convention could remove him.
In a fresh development, the court has now fixed October 31 for judgment in another suit seeking to stop the Ibadan convention over alleged breaches of the PDP Constitution.
The plaintiffs, Nwachukwu, Nnanna, and George are asking the court to halt the convention slated for November 15–16, arguing that no valid congresses were held in 14 states before the notice for the convention was issued.
Justice Omotosho reiterated his earlier order that all parties must maintain the status quo pending judgment, warning that any action taken in defiance of the court could be nullified.
While counsel to the plaintiffs, Joseph Daudu (SAN), urged the court to uphold the rule of law, Damagum’s lawyer, Paul Erokoro (SAN), maintained that the matter was strictly an internal party affair. This position was supported by Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), counsel to the NWC and NEC.
Amid the court dispute, PDP National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, INEC, and the DSS, alleging that his signature was forged on a letter notifying INEC of the planned convention. The NWC has since dismissed his claims but approved a probe into the alleged forgery, deepening uncertainty over the convention’s fate.
Zoning and Consensus Talks Continue
A senior PDP chieftain from the North-West explained that the ongoing consensus discussions do not exclude any member from contesting.
“The PDP Constitution provides room for both consensus and open contest. Those not satisfied with the consensus arrangement can freely contest. That’s democracy,” he said.
Another northern leader confirmed that most stakeholders now support zoning the national chairmanship to the North-West, with Turaki, Lamido, and Makarfi being the key contenders.
Former PDP National Secretary Ibrahim Umar Tsauri also confirmed the zoning arrangement, explaining that it was based on a rotational swap among the northern zones.
“Yes, the majority agreed that the chairmanship should go to the North-West. It was a contest between North-Central and North-West, but the latter carried the day,” Tsauri said.
“Positions held by the North-West are moving to the North-East, those of the North-East are going to the North-Central, and the North-Central’s positions are going to the North-West. Each zone will now pick its consensus candidates.”
He added that an official announcement would likely come before Monday once consultations are completed.
Party Dismisses Crisis Rumours
In his reaction, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba dismissed claims of crisis, saying the upcoming convention would usher in a “renewed and stronger party.”
“There are no issues in the PDP. What we’re witnessing is democracy in action, members expressing their views and interests,” Ologunagba said.
“Our convention will hold as scheduled on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, where new leaders will emerge to reposition the party for 2027.”
He added that Nigerians are closely watching the PDP, hopeful that it will offer a credible alternative to what he described as the “clueless All Progressives Congress administration.”
“The 2025 convention will produce competent and visionary leaders who will drive our comeback in the 2027 general elections,” he concluded.
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