How PDP governors settled for Turaki as consensus candidate

Inside the PDP Power Play - How Governors Settled for Turaki as Consensus Chairman

In a dramatic turn of internal politics within Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Minister of Special Duties Kabiru Tanimu Turaki emerged as the consensus candidate for the party’s national chairmanship.

This decision, orchestrated by a coalition of influential governors and select members of the National Working Committee (NWC), has stirred both strategic alignment and factional dissent across the party’s ranks.

The consensus campaign was spearheaded by three governors: Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State. Their objective was clear, to prevent a potentially divisive elective contest and consolidate party leadership under a candidate they deemed capable of stabilizing the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The trio also pushed for a Northwest candidate, aligning with the party’s zoning arrangement that placed the chairmanship in the northern region.

Seyi Makinde, in particular, lobbied for his ally, former Oyo State Deputy Governor Taofeek Arapaja, to be named National Secretary, further entrenching his influence within the party’s hierarchy.

However, the announcement of Turaki as the consensus candidate triggered immediate backlash from several quarters. Pro-Wike factions, the Northcentral Caucus, Turaki’s home state of Kebbi, and former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido all voiced strong opposition.

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike publicly criticized Governor Fintiri for announcing Turaki’s candidacy without broader consultation. Wike’s remarks underscored a growing rift between key stakeholders, with some accusing the governors of sidelining other zones and imposing their will on the party.

The Northcentral bloc, still smarting from the removal of former chairman Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, argued that his successor should have come from the same zone. Their frustration was echoed by the Southeast House of Representatives Caucus, which threatened to boycott the upcoming convention in Ibadan unless the Women Leader position was zoned to their region.

Despite the discontent, the selection process was methodical. At a closed-door meeting, governors invited interested aspirants to declare their intentions. Turaki and Senator Ibrahim Shekarau raised their hands, while Senator Ahmed Makarfi represented Sule Lamido, who was absent but reportedly interested. The aspirants were asked to deliberate among themselves and return with a resolution. Shekarau agreed to support Turaki if chosen, and Turaki reciprocated. Lamido, however, remained defiant, insisting on contesting regardless of the consensus.

The governors reconvened and settled on Turaki. According to sources, their decision was influenced by concerns over Lamido’s perceived arrogance and unwillingness to defer to their authority. They feared he would not be responsive or respectful to their leadership, citing his past behavior and political stature.

Interestingly, no objections were raised during the meeting. Even representatives from Sokoto, Kebbi, and Jigawa - states now protesting, remained silent at the time. Their dissent only surfaced after the consensus was made public, suggesting a post-hoc mobilization of opposition.

Alhaji Umar Sani, a Northwest chieftain and former spokesperson to Vice President Namadi Sambo, dismissed the resistance as a calculated attempt to destabilize the party. He argued that the chairmanship is a national role, not a regional entitlement, and that historical precedent supports broader consultations and endorsements by power blocs.

Sani cited past chairmen, from Solomon Lar to Adamu Mu’azu, as products of strategic consensus, often influenced by sitting presidents or dominant governors. He emphasized that the PDP has always relied on such arrangements to maintain unity and functionality.

The screening of aspirants by a 13-member committee, chaired by Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), is scheduled to take place in Abuja. This process will determine the final slate of candidates for the convention on November 15–16 in Ibadan.

As the PDP navigates this turbulent phase, the choice of Turaki stands as both a symbol of strategic consolidation and a flashpoint for unresolved regional grievances.

Whether the party can reconcile these tensions and present a united front remains to be seen, but the governors’ gamble on Turaki has undeniably reshaped the PDP’s internal dynamics.