Tensions have erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the endorsement of former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as the party’s consensus candidate for National Chairman, ahead of its national convention slated for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The decision, announced after a meeting of northern leaders and governors, has been met with resistance from factions loyal to former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, both of whom reportedly oppose Turaki’s selection.

Party Divisions Deepen Over Chairmanship Zoning

The PDP had, during its 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on August 25, resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, while reserving the National Chairmanship position for the North.

Following that resolution, party stakeholders from the North further micro-zoned the chairmanship seat to the North-West. Turaki’s adoption reportedly came after consultations involving key figures, including Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, and Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who chaired the National Convention Organising Committee.

At the end of the meeting, Fintiri announced Turaki’s endorsement as the northern consensus candidate but clarified that any aspirant dissatisfied with the process was free to contest at the convention.

Lamido, Wike Loyalists Reject Consensus Move

However, the development immediately sparked discontent. Sources within the party told Sunday PUNCH that Lamido’s supporters are furious over what they described as a “rushed and unilateral” endorsement that excluded key northern stakeholders.

“The northern blocs are not on the same page. The Lamido camp feels alienated, and the Wike camp wants the chairmanship to go to the North-Central. This disagreement is driving the tension,” a northern leader said.

It was further gathered that Wike’s loyalists are pushing for former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, as their preferred candidate, insisting that the North-Central deserves the position to balance internal power dynamics.

A senior party leader, who spoke anonymously, blamed the controversy on the failure of northern governors to carry out wide consultations before making their announcement.

“Some stakeholders in the North-West and North-Central felt disrespected because they were not consulted. This lack of inclusion is what’s fueling the opposition,” the source explained.
“But eventually, the party will harmonise its positions and go into the convention with a united front. The PDP will bounce back stronger before 2027.”

Arapaja Emerges as Consensus Candidate for National Secretary

Meanwhile, consensus appears to have been reached in the South-West, where Taofeek Arapaja, the party’s Deputy National Chairman (South) and former Oyo State Deputy Governor, has been endorsed as the consensus candidate for National Secretary.

A reliable party source disclosed that the decision was made during a virtual meeting of South-West stakeholders convened by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

“The South-West stakeholders agreed that Arapaja should retain the secretaryship slot. There was no disagreement on that decision,” the source said.

Governors Move to Quell Crisis

Speaking on the brewing controversy, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal downplayed fears of division, assuring that efforts were underway to reconcile all factions ahead of the convention.

“The PDP remains a big family. We are working to ensure that all stakeholders are carried along and that the convention is peaceful,” Lawal said.

Despite the tension, party insiders remain optimistic that internal disagreements will be resolved before delegates converge in Ibadan next month to elect a new National Working Committee.