Northern leaders within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have formally endorsed former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as their consensus candidate for the position of National Chairman ahead of the party’s national elective convention scheduled for November 15-16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The decision was announced on Wednesday by the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, speaking after a closed-door meeting in Abuja of northern PDP stakeholders. Fintiri emphasised that while Turaki’s endorsement reflects a united northern position, other aspirants remain free to contest the chairmanship at the convention.
The endorsement followed intensive consultations among the party’s northern leadership, gathering figures such as Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau); former Senate President Bukola Saraki; Senator Abba Moro; Acting PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum; and other prominent northern figures.
Reports say the northern bloc settled on Turaki after micro-zoning the chairmanship slot to the North-West region, following the party’s August meeting where the 2027 presidential ticket was zoned to the South and the chairman’s role to the North.
Despite the consensus move, a faction of the North-West zone challenged the adoption, saying they were not consulted and may field their own candidate.
Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and once a presidential aspirant, is seen within the PDP as a seasoned political operator and legal mind, having served under the administration of Goodluck Jonathan.
The upcoming national convention in Ibadan will see election of members to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP, positioning the party for the 2027 general elections and beyond.
