Turaki PDP North West chairmanship faces resistance as Northern leaders demand consultation ahead of the PDP November 15 national convention.
Controversy has erupted over the Turaki PDP North West chairmanship as former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, was endorsed as the North’s consensus candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national chairmanship ahead of the November 15 convention.
The selection, however, has sparked opposition from leaders of the North West zone, Turaki’s home region, who claim they were excluded from consultations.
The PDP National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, stated that the North West zone has not formally adopted any candidate for the chairmanship.
“We want to make clear that this zone has not adopted anybody as a candidate. Turaki PDP North West chairmanship cannot be determined without consultation with our stakeholders,” he said, emphasizing that the zone’s leaders were bypassed in the process.
Bature also criticized the lack of inclusion of party chairmen and National Assembly members from the North West, even though they were present during zoning discussions.
He stressed that consensus should be built through proper consultation, stating, “If Governor Fintiri can adopt his candidate in the North East, why can’t stakeholders of the North West adopt our own candidate? Consensus without consultation is not legitimate.”
Earlier, Northern PDP stakeholders had endorsed Turaki as the consensus candidate during a meeting on Wednesday night. Adamawa State Governor Adamu Fintiri, chair of the PDP National Convention Organising Committee, confirmed that Turaki’s endorsement followed consultations with leaders from the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Notable attendees included Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, PDP Board of Trustees Secretary Ahmed Makarfi, acting PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro.
The PDP had zoned the national chairmanship slot to the North West to promote regional balance and party cohesion. However, Bature maintained that other Northern leaders had no authority to endorse Turaki without proper engagement with the North West.
“We are the strongest zone in the PDP. We deserve to select our candidate. This is about fairness and internal democracy,” he added.
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal described the opposition as typical in politics, emphasizing that disagreements are normal during leadership selection.
Speaking at the inauguration of the PDP National Convention Accreditation Sub-Committee, he said, “It is normal for members to voice concerns. Politics is about give and take. No matter who is selected, there will always be some agitation.”
On the defection of PDP governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Lawal dismissed concerns, citing the party’s historical resilience.
“In 2015, PDP had over 29 governors. Despite defections, the party endured. So, no cause for alarm,” he said.
Regarding convention logistics, Lawal assured delegates that arrangements are in place for a smooth process.
“This committee is the engine room of a successful convention. Delegates will be transported from their regions to Ibadan and accommodated. While minor issues may arise, the convention will be a success by Allah’s grace,” he noted.
Supporters of Turaki argue that the Turaki PDP North West chairmanship endorsement followed extensive consultations and reflects a broad Northern consensus.
They highlight Turaki’s experience as a former minister and longstanding involvement in party politics as qualifying factors for the leadership role.
The controversy underscores broader tensions within the PDP regarding internal democracy, zoning, and regional representation.
Northern stakeholders insist that the North West, designated for the chairmanship, should have the prerogative to select its candidate.
Bature reaffirmed that the North West deserves to exercise its right to determine its candidate, stressing the importance of proper consultation in leadership decisions.
As the November 15 convention approaches, the PDP faces the challenge of balancing regional representation, internal democracy, and party unity.
How the party addresses opposition to Turaki’s candidacy could shape perceptions of its commitment to fairness and cohesion.
The Turaki PDP North West chairmanship issue reflects internal party tensions over consultation, consensus, and zoning. While some stakeholders see the process as exclusionary, others argue it is a legitimate endorsement.
The coming weeks will be crucial in resolving these disputes to ensure a successful PDP national convention.
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