The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is grappling with significant internal resistance following the purported selection of former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, as the consensus candidate for the national chairman position. This decision, spearheaded by a section of the National Working Committee (NWC) and several PDP governors, has triggered deep divisions just weeks ahead of the party’s elective convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan.
The move was reportedly driven by key governors, including Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa). Governor Makinde is also said to be pushing for his ally, former Oyo State deputy governor Taofeek Arapaja, to secure the National Secretary position.
Widespread Opposition Erupts
The announcement immediately met with sharp opposition from across various party blocs.
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike faulted the process, accusing Governor Fintiri of announcing a consensus candidate without adequate consultation with key stakeholders. “I don’t know how someone will just sit down and say a consensus candidate has been chosen without carrying stakeholders along,” Wike stated during a recent media chat.
The Northcentral party leaders also publicly rejected Turaki’s selection. They insisted that the next chairman must be drawn from their zone to replace the former chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, who is from Benue State in the Northcentral.
Furthermore, the Southeast House of Representatives Caucus has threatened to boycott the convention entirely if the position of Women Leader is not zoned to their region, citing the need for equitable representation within the NWC.
Internally, former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido, a contestant for the chairmanship, rejected the consensus arrangement outright, insisting on a democratic elective primary. Even within Turaki’s home base of Kebbi State, some party stalwarts have voiced objections, describing his selection as imposed.
Inside the Governors’ Deliberations
Sources present at the governors’ meeting revealed details of the controversial selection process. Aspirants, including Turaki and Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, indicated their interest. After being asked to deliberate amongst themselves, Shekarau agreed to stand by the governors’ decision if they chose Turaki, and vice versa. However, former Governor Sule Lamido, represented by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, maintained his intention to contest regardless of the consensus, claiming the backing of Northern elders.
The source indicated that the governors ultimately settled on Turaki because they were “not comfortable with Lamido” due to concerns that he “will not respect them” or answer their calls, prioritizing a candidate who would be more accommodating to the governors’ influence. While some attendees later voiced objections, the source claimed nobody explicitly raised a “dissenting voice” when the decision was announced at the meeting itself.
The Defence of Consensus
In defense of the governors’ decision, Umar Sani, a chieftain from the Northwest and former spokesperson for former Vice President Namadi Sambo, described the opposition as a “charade” fueled by a small group of loyalists aligned with a “southern politician hell bent on destabilizing the party.”
Sani argued that the chairmanship of a major political party is not and has never been an “exclusive regional affair,” noting that past chairmen have always emerged through broader consultations and the influence of powerful party blocs. He described the choice of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as a “deliberate and strategic consensus anchored on competence, character, and capacity to stabilize the PDP in turbulent times.”
Screening Committee Set to Begin Work
Amidst the growing tension, aspirants for various NWC positions are scheduled to appear before a 13-man Screening Committee on Tuesday in Abuja. The panel is chaired by Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), with Asue Ighodalo serving as Secretary. The committee is tasked with clearing candidates for the elective convention next month.
