PDP convention preparations face uncertainty as party pauses aspirants’ screening process
PDP convention preparations face uncertainty as party pauses aspirants’ screening process
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faced uncertainty yesterday as it announced the suspension of its screening process for aspirants vying for positions in the 2025 Elective National Convention, initially scheduled for today. The party cited unforeseen circumstances for the postponement, prompting concern among members and observers about internal conflicts and the potential impact on preparations.
The development coincided with the expression of frustration by former Jigawa State governor and ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Sule Lamido. Lamido was visibly angry after being unable to obtain nomination forms for the party’s National Chairman race at the PDP headquarters in Abuja. He accused party leaders of hijacking the process and alleged deliberate obstruction aimed at excluding him from the contest. Lamido also criticized the process’s lack of transparency, claiming that the nomination forms are now controlled from Adamawa State, where PDP Chairman Ahmadu Fintiri is based, rather than at the national level.
Lamido’s visit to the party secretariat was met with locked offices and officials claiming ignorance of the form sales. He dismissed reports that the sale had ended in September, asserting that such decisions require approval from the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). Despite his frustrations, Lamido remained optimistic that the issue would be resolved and emphasized the importance of internal discipline and democracy for PDP’s success against the ruling APC in the 2027 elections. He also denied any links with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissing claims that PDP governors were opposed to his ambition.
Meanwhile, Tanimu Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties and a PDP aspirant for the national chairmanship, officially submitted his expression of interest and nomination forms. He has been widely supported as a consensus candidate among party stakeholders.
Adding to the tension, over 20 PDP federal lawmakers issued a joint threat to defect from the party if the leadership proceeds with a plot to clear a nominee of an APC governor for the PDP National Woman Leader position. The lawmakers accused the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and Senator Samuel Anyanwu of orchestrating the nomination of a woman linked to Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu, who recently defected from PDP to APC. They alleged that this move sidelines loyal PDP women from the Southeast and is part of a broader strategy to infiltrate the party with pro-APC figures, potentially paving the way for President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement as a 2027 presidential candidate.
The postponement of the convention and the internal disputes highlight the challenges PDP faces as it prepares to hold its national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, from November 15 to 16. The event is expected to draw top party leaders, governors, and stakeholders, all aiming to reorganize the party ahead of the next general elections. The party’s leadership has assured that a new date for screening will be announced soon and remains committed to a transparent and credible process.
