Turaki Likely to Be Next PDP National Chairman — Party Insiders Say

Northern leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have resolved to zone the party’s national chairmanship to the North-West, a strategic move aimed at unifying the party ahead of its November convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to Punch, the decision was reached at a meeting of northern stakeholders in Abuja over the weekend. Party leaders agreed that the North-West should produce the next national chairman, while the three northern zones will this week deliberate on consensus candidates for other key positions.

Party insiders who spoke with the platform revealed that the contest for the chairmanship seat has narrowed to three prominent figures: former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), and former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi.

Among the trio, sources said Turaki currently enjoys majority support, with backing from key stakeholders, including some of the few PDP governors still in office.

He stated, “The noise and tension in the party ahead of the convention are expected because it’s a democratic setting where members’ interests naturally differ. With an elective convention coming up in November in Ibadan, such disagreements are not unusual.

“However, despite these tensions, the party is making progress. Stakeholders are meeting, and discussions are ongoing about zoning and sharing of positions.

“Over the weekend, northern leaders, including governors, former governors, serving senators, and former principal officers of the National Assembly met in Abuja to deliberate on the region’s position, particularly concerning the office of the national chairman, which is the most senior position in the party.

“It was agreed that the position of national chairman should be micro-zoned to the North-West.

“Consequently, the zone is expected to produce the next national chairman of the party. As of now, the major contenders include the former Minister of Special Duties, who enjoys the support of several governors and majority of members from the North-West and beyond, Turaki is likely going to be the next PDP National Chairman. Also, the former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido; and former Kaduna State governor, Ahmed Makarfi, are also in the race.

“The final decision will be made after the various zones conclude their consultations. The North-West, North-East, North-Central, and South-West are all expected to meet and produce consensus candidates for their respective positions. Before the week ends, the list of consensus candidates, including that of the national chairman, is expected to be ready. Don’t forget that the committee is still selling forms. If things go as expected in Turaki’s favour, he will resign from his current position as Co-Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee to pick the form.”

The North currently occupies key National Working Committee positions, including the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman (North), National Legal Adviser, National Organising Secretary, National Youth Leader, and National Treasurer, as well as the National Vice Chairmen representing the North-East, North-West, and North-Central zones.