As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gears up for its November 2025 national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, Northern leaders have decided to zone the national chairmanship to the North-West to foster unity. At a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja last weekend, attended by governors, former governors, senators, and ex-National Assembly officers, the party agreed that the North-West should produce the next chairman, with the three northern zones set to finalize consensus candidates for key positions this week.
Party insiders indicate that former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki (SAN) is favored to emerge as chairman, backed by key stakeholders, including some governors. Other contenders include former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido and former Kaduna Governor Ahmed Makarfi. A senior party official said, “Turaki has strong support, but the final decision awaits zonal consultations. If he secures the nod, he’ll step down as co-chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee to contest.”
Despite the zoning plan, internal tensions persist, particularly among supporters of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who are frustrated with acting National Chairman Umar Damagum’s leadership and disputes over party control in states like Cross River and Akwa Ibom. A legal challenge has also emerged, with PDP chairmen from Imo and Abia, Austin Nwachukwu and Amah Nnanna, alongside South-South Zonal Secretary Turnah George, filing a suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/25) to halt the convention, alleging constitutional breaches. On Tuesday, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja set October 31 for judgment, upholding an order to maintain the status quo and warning against any violations.
The plaintiffs’ counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), argued that INEC must monitor party congresses for validity, claiming no valid congresses occurred in 14 states before the convention notice. Damagum’s counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), and the NWC/NEC’s Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) countered that the court lacks jurisdiction over internal party matters. Adding to the turmoil, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu petitioned security agencies, denying he signed the convention notice and alleging forgery.
A PDP chieftain from the North-West clarified that the consensus zoning doesn’t bar anyone from contesting, emphasizing the party’s democratic principles. Former National Secretary Ibrahim Umar Tsauri confirmed the micro-zoning arrangement, noting a swap of positions among northern zones to balance representation. PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba dismissed crisis claims, insisting the convention will proceed as planned, electing new leaders to position the party for the 2027 elections and counter the “clueless” All Progressives Congress administration.
