PDP Northern Leaders Zone National Chairmanship to North-West Ahead of Ibadan Convention

Amid rising political tension over the upcoming national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scheduled for November in Ibadan, Oyo State, northern leaders of the party have resolved to zone the national chairmanship to the North-West. The move is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen unity and reposition the opposition party ahead of the major event.

Sources within the PDP confirmed to newsmen that the decision was reached during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja last weekend. According to party officials, the three northern zones—North-West, North-East, and North-Central—will this week conclude consultations to produce consensus candidates for key leadership positions.

Among those being considered for the top role are former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki (SAN), and former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi. Turaki is believed to be enjoying early majority support from key stakeholders, including several serving governors.

A senior party insider said, “The atmosphere before a convention is always tense in any democratic setup. But despite the noise, consultations are ongoing and progress is being made.”

The PDP currently holds several key National Working Committee (NWC) positions in the North, including the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman (North), National Legal Adviser, and National Youth Leader.

However, discontent remains among supporters of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, who has expressed dissatisfaction with the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum. His loyalists are also displeased over leadership tussles in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau states as well as disagreements about the zoning formula ahead of the convention.

Adding to the tension, a legal dispute is pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where three PDP members—Austin Nwachukwu (Imo), Amah Nnanna (Abia), and Turnah George (South-South)—are challenging the planned convention on grounds of alleged constitutional violations. Justice James Omotosho has fixed October 31 for judgment after directing all parties to maintain the status quo.

Meanwhile, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba dismissed claims of internal crisis, describing the ongoing debates as proof of internal democracy. “There are no issues. The convention will hold on November 15 and 16 as planned in Ibadan. It will produce a new set of leaders capable of repositioning the PDP ahead of 2027,” he said.

He added that Nigerians were eagerly watching the party’s next move as it seeks to rebuild its structure and present a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress.