In a major political development, Northern leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have resolved to zone the party’s national chairmanship position to the North-West, a strategic move aimed at unifying the opposition party ahead of its highly anticipated November convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to reports by The Punch, the decision was reached during a crucial meeting of northern stakeholders held in Abuja over the weekend. Party leaders from across the northern zones agreed that the North-West should produce the next national chairman, while further consultations would continue this week to determine consensus candidates for other key National Working Committee positions.
Sources within the party disclosed that the contest for the national chairmanship has now narrowed down to three prominent figures — former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki (SAN), and former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi.
Among the trio, insider sources revealed that Tanimu Turaki currently enjoys the backing of key PDP stakeholders, including several governors and influential figures from the North-West.
“The noise and tension ahead of the convention are expected because it’s a democratic setting where interests naturally differ,” a source stated. “However, despite these tensions, the party is making steady progress. Stakeholders are meeting, and discussions are ongoing on zoning and power-sharing arrangements.”
The meeting reportedly drew participation from serving and former governors, senators, and ex-principal officers of the National Assembly, who collectively agreed that the North-West should produce the next PDP National Chairman — the most senior leadership position within the party.
The PDP’s zoning structure is expected to be finalized before the end of the week, with each geopolitical zone — North-West, North-East, North-Central, and South-West — tasked with producing consensus nominees for various leadership positions.
Party insiders also hinted that once Turaki secures a broad consensus, he may resign from his current role as Co-Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee to formally enter the race.
Currently, the Northern region occupies several strategic positions in the PDP’s National Working Committee, including the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman (North), National Legal Adviser, National Organising Secretary, National Youth Leader, and National Treasurer, along with the National Vice Chairmen representing the three northern zones.
As consultations continue, political observers say the North-West zoning decision could play a pivotal role in stabilizing the PDP’s internal structure and strengthening its chances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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