Northern PDP Leaders Agree to Zone National Chairmanship to North-West Amid Ongoing Internal Disputes

Northern PDP Leaders Agree to Zone National Chairmanship to North-West Amid Ongoing Internal Disputes

Amid rising tensions over the upcoming PDP national convention scheduled for November in Ibadan, Oyo State, northern leaders of the People’s Democratic Party have agreed to zone the national chairmanship to the North-West. This move aims to foster unity within the party ahead of the critical election.

Sources from PDP leadership involved in the transition process reveal that during a Northern stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja last weekend, it was decided that the North-West zone should produce the party’s next national chairman. The three northern zones are also expected to agree on consensus candidates for other key positions this week.

Insiders indicate that the main contenders for the North-West chairmanship include former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki (SAN), and ex-Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi. Among these, Turaki reportedly enjoys early support from a majority of stakeholders, including several influential governors.

A senior party official told The press that Turaki is likely to emerge as the next PDP national chairman, citing the backing he has from key figures in the party. The official added, “The tensions and disagreements are typical in a democratic setting, especially with an elective convention approaching. But progress is being made through ongoing discussions on zoning and candidate selection.”

He explained that northern leaders, including governors, former governors, senators, and former National Assembly leaders, met in Abuja to deliberate on the region’s position, particularly regarding the national chairmanship, which is the party’s highest office. It was agreed that this position should be micro-zoned to the North-West.

The zone is expected to produce the next national chairman, with Turaki being a leading candidate due to his broad support base. Other contenders include Sule Lamido and Ahmed Makarfi. Final decisions will follow consultations by the various zones, including the North-East, North-Central, and South-West, which are also expected to select their consensus candidates for respective positions before the week ends. If Turaki’s candidacy gains momentum, he may resign his current role as Co-Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee to formally contest.

Currently, the North holds key National Working Committee positions such as the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman (North), National Legal Adviser, National Organising Secretary, National Youth Leader, and National Treasurer, among others.

Despite the decision to hold the convention in Ibadan, dissatisfaction persists, especially among supporters of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Wike’s loyalists are reportedly upset over ongoing leadership disputes in the South-South, struggles over party structures in states like Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau, as well as disagreements concerning zoning of elective offices.

These internal conflicts have escalated into legal battles. In a suit filed under number FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/25, PDP chairmen from Imo (Austin Nwachukwu) and Abia (Amah Nnanna), along with South-South Zonal Secretary Turnah George, accused the Damagum-led National Working Committee of violating the party’s constitution and electoral procedures.

The case, overseen by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, was adjourned to October 16 after a dispute over who has legal authority to represent the PDP. The party’s Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and Chief Chris Uche (SAN) both claimed to be the legitimate counsel. The judge ordered them to produce evidence of authorization by October 20.

Meanwhile, a letter signed by 14 NWC members on October 16 reaffirmed the decision to dismiss Ajibade and appoint Uche as his replacement. Ajibade insists only a national convention has the authority to remove him.

In a new development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled October 31 for judgment on the suit seeking to block the Ibadan convention over alleged violations of the party’s constitution. The plaintiffs—Nwachukwu, Nnanna, and George—are seeking an injunction to stop the convention, set for November 15–16, where new national officers are expected to be elected.