Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and key members of the National Working Committee (NWC) have endorsed former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as the party’s consensus candidate for national chairman ahead of the November 15–16 elective convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The consensus deal, reportedly led by Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), also includes plans for former Oyo deputy governor Taofeek Arapaja to become National Secretary, a move believed to have been championed by Makinde.
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However, the development has triggered strong opposition within the PDP.
Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, faulted the consensus process, accusing Governor Fintiri of announcing Turaki’s selection without proper consultations.
Leaders from the Northcentral zone have also rejected Turaki’s nomination, arguing that the next chairman should come from their region to replace Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, who hails from Benue State.
Meanwhile, the Southeast PDP Caucus in the House of Representatives has threatened to boycott the convention unless the position of Women Leader is zoned to the region, citing marginalization and lack of equitable representation.
Former Jigawa governor Sule Lamido, one of the chairmanship aspirants, has dismissed the consensus decision, insisting on a transparent elective contest. Party stakeholders in Kebbi State, Turaki’s home base, also criticized the move as an “imposition.”
Sources toldThe Nationthat at least three aspirants had shown interest before the governors announced Turaki’s endorsement.
A source at the meeting said the governors asked interested candidates — Turaki, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, and Sule Lamido (represented by Ahmed Makarfi) — to deliberate among themselves. While Shekarau agreed to step down if Turaki was selected, Lamido reportedly refused, vowing to run regardless of the governors’ decision.
All aspirants for various NWC positions are to appear before a 13-member Screening Committee on Tuesday in Abuja, chaired by Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) with Asue Ighodalo as secretary.
Other members include Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Aduke Maina, Josephine Anenih, Inna Ciroma, Zainab Maina, Mohammed Diri, Jacob Otorkpa, Emmanuel Enoidem, Achike Udenwa, Felix Hassan Hyat, and Chinedu Nwachukwu.
Responding to critics, Umar Sani, a Northwest PDP chieftain and former aide to ex–Vice President Namadi Sambo, defended Turaki’s adoption as “a product of broad consultations and party wisdom.”
He accused some Northwest leaders of “playing regional politics” and attempting to destabilize the PDP.
He described the anti-Turaki camp as “a small group of dissenters driven by selfish ambition and misplaced entitlement.”