Northern leaders of Nigeria’s opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have endorsed former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as their consensus candidate for the position of National Chairman ahead of the party’s convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, next month.
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri announced the decision late Wednesday after a meeting of Northern PDP leaders in Abuja.
He said the choice of Turaki followed wide consultations among leaders from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“After deep reflection and consultations, we have adopted a consensus candidate to represent the North at the convention.
“That gentleman is K.T. Turaki, SAN.” He added that any aspirant dissatisfied with the decision is free to contest,” Fintiri tld repoters.
Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Supervising Minister of Labour and Productivity, served under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
He is widely regarded as an experienced legal expert in constitutional law, election litigation, and commercial arbitration.
The PDP had earlier zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South and the National Chairmanship to the North, later micro-zoning it to the Northwest.
Turaki’s emergence effectively ends weeks of speculation over a tight contest that initially featured former governors Ahmed Makarfi and Sule Lamido.
Fintiri, who also chairs the party’s National Convention Organising Committee, said the PDP remains united ahead of its November 15–16 convention despite ongoing internal tensions.
“The PDP is an institution with mechanisms to resolve disputes.
“We are confident of a rancour-free convention,” he said.
The endorsement comes amid internal wrangling and legal battles involving Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum and factions loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who have clashed over party leadership and zoning arrangements.
Wednesday’s meeting was attended by PDP Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara); Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; and former ministers Jerry Gana and Ahmed Makarfi, among others.
(Agency Report)
