PDP Chairmanship: Consensus Deal Collapses as Lamido Rejects Turaki’s Endorsement

Barely weeks before its national convention, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a fresh internal crisis as former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, openly rejected the endorsement of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as the North’s consensus candidate for the position of National Chairman.

The disagreement has once again deepened divisions within the opposition party, heightening tension ahead of the November 15–16 convention in Ibadan, and raising the prospect of a legal showdown.

Adding to the uncertainty, the party on Monday announced the suspension of its screening of aspirants, which had been slated for Tuesday, citing “unforeseen circumstances.”

In a statement, the Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) and Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, said a new date would be communicated in due course.

“The National Convention Organising Committee has put on hold the screening of aspirants for the 2025 Elective National Convention, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, due to unforeseen circumstances,” the statement read.

Fintiri assured members that the process remains on course and that the committee was committed to delivering a credible and transparent convention.

Lamido Cries Foul, Threatens Legal Action

Earlier in the day, Lamido had stormed the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja to obtain his nomination form, but was reportedly denied access. Speaking to journalists afterwards, he accused some party officials of blocking his attempt to contest for the chairmanship position.

He claimed both the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, were also unaware of the whereabouts of the forms.

“I went to the National Organising Secretary’s office, where forms are normally sold, but it was locked,” Lamido said. “Even the Organising Secretary and the National Secretary told me they had no idea where the forms were being issued.”

Lamido said he found it “strange” that such key officials were sidelined, describing the situation as a breach of the party’s constitution.

He warned that unless the issue was resolved, he would be forced to seek redress in court, stressing that the PDP must adhere to due process if it hopes to remain a credible opposition ahead of 2027.

“If I don’t get the form, I will go to court. The PDP must be organised and disciplined if it wants to win elections,” Lamido said.

Governors’ Camp Endorses Turaki

Meanwhile, Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, formally submitted his nomination form at the party’s alternate headquarters in Legacy House, Abuja.

He pledged to restore discipline, fairness, and stability to the PDP if elected.

The development followed the August 25 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which zoned the 2027 presidential ticket to the South and the National Chairmanship to the North.

Northern leaders subsequently met and micro-zoned the chairmanship to the North-West, where they endorsed Turaki as their preferred candidate.

However, the endorsement has not gone down well with some northern stakeholders, including Lamido’s supporters, who alleged that the process lacked consultation.

“If there are no consultations, there can be no consensus,” Lamido said. “Our zone was supposed to meet, but before we could, another meeting was convened elsewhere to pre-empt it. That’s not how a family should operate.”

Officials Deny Knowledge of Nomination Forms

Party officials have also expressed confusion over the handling of nomination forms.

The National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, told journalists he was unaware of how or where the forms were printed and distributed, describing the situation as “unprecedented.”

“Even as the National Secretary, I haven’t seen the colour of the form — whether white, red, or black,” he said. “This isn’t how our party operates.”

He also confirmed that a case of alleged forgery involving his signature was already under investigation.

The National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, echoed his remarks, confirming that the NCOC, under Governor Fintiri, had taken over the sale and submission of forms.

Turaki’s Camp Dismisses Claims

In a counter-statement, a PDP chieftain and Turaki ally, Umar Sani, displayed an acknowledgment slip confirming the submission of Turaki’s nomination form, dismissing Lamido’s allegations as baseless.

“Today is for the submission of forms, not for the sale of forms,” Sani said. “If Lamido went to Wadata Plaza, he went to the wrong place. The committee clearly stated where and when forms should be purchased and submitted.”

He insisted that consultations had been properly conducted before Turaki’s endorsement, adding that the former minister was widely respected and capable of uniting the party.

“Turaki is not with any faction. He’s neutral, fair, and experienced. That’s why the governors trust him to stabilise the PDP,” Sani said.

Background

The PDP’s 2025 Elective National Convention in Ibadan is expected to bring together governors, former ministers, and top party figures as the party seeks to reorganise its leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.

But with the consensus arrangement now in dispute, insiders fear that the latest disagreement could further polarise the North-West bloc — a key power base — and threaten the fragile unity the party has tried to rebuild since its 2023 defeat.