Makarfi Quits as PDP Board of Trustees Secretary

Former Kaduna State governor Ahmed Makarfi has resigned as secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party Board of Trustees, insisting the party must uphold its zoning culture to protect internal fairness. His decision followed the election of Kabiru Turaki as the PDP’s new national chairman at Saturday’s national convention in Ibadan. Turaki, like Makarfi, is from the north-west.

In a letter addressed to BoT chairman Adolphus Wabara on Monday, Makarfi explained that remaining in office would contradict the party’s long-established zoning balance. He recalled that he had attempted to resign two months earlier and shared the notice on the board’s WhatsApp platform but was persuaded by Wabara to stay until a chairman emerged.

Makarfi stated that the reason behind his earlier attempt to vacate the seat remained unchanged. He said the party’s chairman and BoT secretary should not originate from the same zone and added that stepping aside was necessary to avoid creating a perception of leadership imbalance. He noted that Turaki’s emergence from the north-west made it appropriate to grant him full room to carry out his duties without structural conflict.

The former governor formally resigned with effect from November 17, 2025. He thanked Wabara and the BoT members for what he described as a cordial and productive working relationship. Makarfi expressed appreciation for their cooperation throughout his tenure and said the board had maintained mutual respect and unity during his time as secretary.