Samuel Omang
As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gears up for its national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, tensions are rising over the selection of the party’s next leadership. Northern leaders within the PDP have reportedly agreed to zone the national chairmanship position to the North-West, a move aimed at fostering unity among stakeholders ahead of the crucial election.
According to party sources, during a Northern stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja last weekend, it was agreed that the North-West zone would produce the PDP’s next national chairman. The three northern zones—North-West, North-East, and North-Central—are expected to conclude consultations this week to finalize consensus candidates for key positions.
The main contenders for the national chairmanship are former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki (SAN), and former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi. Insiders suggest that Turaki currently enjoys broad support from Northern stakeholders, including the few governors still within the party.
A senior PDP official noted that while disagreements are expected in any democratic setting, progress is being made toward aligning the zones on consensus candidates. “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,” the official said. “It was agreed that the position of national chairman should be micro-zoned to the North-West.”
Currently, the North occupies several key positions in the party’s National Working Committee, including National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman (North), National Legal Adviser, National Organising Secretary, National Youth Leader, and National Treasurer, along with Vice Chairmen representing the North-East, North-West, and North-Central zones.
Despite these arrangements, internal disagreements persist, particularly among supporters of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who remain dissatisfied with the leadership of acting National Chairman Umar Damagum. These disputes have escalated into legal proceedings, with a Federal High Court suit filed to halt the convention over alleged breaches of the party’s constitution. Justice James Omotosho has adjourned judgment on the matter to October 31, 2025.
Nonetheless, PDP leadership has affirmed that the convention will go ahead as scheduled. National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba stated that the exercise will reflect the party’s democratic ethos, allowing members to voice their opinions and participate in leadership selection. “The convention will produce new leaders to position the PDP for the 2027 general elections,” he said.
The micro-zoning arrangement is intended to prevent unnecessary conflicts, but the party emphasizes that any member who disagrees with consensus decisions is free to contest, underlining its commitment to democratic principles.
With the November convention in Ibadan fast approaching, the PDP seeks to unify internal factions, resolve leadership disputes, and present a credible leadership structure, setting the stage for its preparations toward the 2027 elections.