Samuel Omang
Fresh cracks have emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) barely weeks to its national convention, following former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido’s rejection of the endorsement of Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as the consensus candidate for National Chairman.
Lamido’s resistance to the consensus deal has reignited tension within the main opposition party, setting the stage for what insiders describe as “a looming legal confrontation” over the nomination process.
The development came as the PDP announced the suspension of the screening exercise for aspirants in the forthcoming 2025 Elective National Convention, earlier slated for Tuesday, October 28, citing “unforeseen circumstances.”
In a statement on Monday, the Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee and Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, said a new date for the screening would be communicated soon, assuring members that the delay would not derail preparations for the convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“The NCOC remains focused on delivering a credible, hitch-free convention,” Fintiri stated, noting that the postponement was necessary to ensure transparency and internal harmony.
However, the political temperature within the PDP rose further when Lamido accused the party’s leadership of shutting him out of the process by denying him access to purchase nomination forms for the chairmanship position.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja after visiting the PDP National Secretariat at Wadata Plaza on Monday, Lamido expressed surprise that both the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, were unaware of the whereabouts of the nomination forms.
“I came to buy my form as required by the party’s constitution, only to find the offices locked and officials saying they had no idea where the forms were being sold. This is strange and unacceptable,” Lamido said.
Lamido vowed to challenge the irregularities in court if denied the opportunity to contest, warning that the party risked disunity ahead of the 2027 elections.
“If the PDP must win, it must be disciplined and organised. If I don’t get the form, I will go to court,” he declared.
Sources said the crisis stems from the governors’ endorsement of Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, as the North’s consensus candidate for the chairmanship. The decision followed a meeting of northern PDP governors and leaders led by Governor Fintiri after the party zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South and reserved the national chairmanship for the North.
But several stakeholders from the North-West, believed to be loyal to Lamido, have rejected the arrangement, insisting that no proper consultation was held before the endorsement.
“If there are consultations, there can be consensus,” Lamido argued. “But our zone never met before the so-called decision was taken.”
Meanwhile, an ally of Turaki, Umar Sani, presented journalists with an acknowledgement slip confirming the submission of Turaki’s nomination forms to the National Convention Committee at the Legacy House annex in Abuja.
Sani dismissed Lamido’s claims, insisting that all stakeholders were duly consulted.
“Consultations were held with northern leaders, including governors and senators. Turaki is a neutral figure who will stabilise the party and ensure fairness,” he said.
Party insiders say the ongoing tussle reflects deeper divisions within the PDP, with some governors and influential figures, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, reportedly backing rival interests such as former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom.
As preparations continue for the Ibadan convention, political observers warn that the unresolved internal disputes could undermine the PDP’s unity and readiness to challenge the ruling APC in the 2027 general elections.