Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the North West zone have rejected the reported adoption of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as the consensus candidate for the position of National Chairman. The decision comes after northern PDP stakeholders allegedly endorsed Turaki following a meeting led by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.

According to the North West PDP leaders, the purported endorsement does not represent the collective position of stakeholders from the zone. Umar Bature, the party’s National Organising Secretary, spoke on behalf of the group, accusing Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal of acting unilaterally without consulting other leaders. Bature explained that the governor had initially called for a meeting to deliberate on possible candidates for the chairmanship position but later postponed it and adopted a candidate without consultation.

The North West PDP leaders emphasized that the zone has not adopted any candidate for the chairmanship position, citing a lack of consultation among leaders. They also questioned the credibility of the so-called “open contest” when a candidate had already been handpicked, describing it as a move that undermines internal democracy within the party.

The meeting was attended by prominent party leaders, including Mustapha Lamido, son of former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido, and 2023 governorship candidates Isa Ashiru and Garba Lado. The disagreement is believed to be linked to the ongoing division within the PDP between factions loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike and those aligned with acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, ahead of the party’s convention.

The rejection of Turaki’s adoption highlights the internal divisions within the PDP, which may impact the party’s convention and future direction. The North West PDP leaders’ stance emphasizes the importance of consensus and consultation in the decision-making process. As the party prepares for its convention, the outcome of this disagreement may have significant implications for the PDP’s leadership and overall strategy.