Convention: Lamido, Turaki, Makarfi Battle For PDP Chairman
As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for its much-anticipated national convention, three prominent northern politicians, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki, and former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, have emerged as leading contenders in the race for the party’s national chairmanship.
The contest, which has generated renewed interest within the opposition party, is expected to redefine the PDP’s internal dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sources within the party told PUNCH that the trio have intensified consultations across the country, reaching out to governors, former leaders, and influential stakeholders in their bid to secure the top seat.
Lamido, known for his long-standing loyalty to the PDP since its formation in 1998, is reportedly banking on his reputation as a founding member and his political structure in the North-West to gain an edge. His supporters argue that his experience and consistency make him the ideal candidate to reposition the party and restore unity.
Tanimu Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former presidential aspirant, is said to be enjoying strong backing from a section of the PDP Governors’ Forum and some members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), who view him as a bridge-builder with national appeal.
Similarly, Ahmed Makarfi, a former national caretaker chairman of the PDP and ex-governor of Kaduna State, is being tipped by many as the most experienced among the trio. Party insiders believe Makarfi’s previous leadership role during the PDP’s crisis years gives him the credibility and organizational know-how to steer the party through the current political climate.
Although the zoning committee is yet to make a formal pronouncement, indications suggest that the chairmanship may be zoned to the North, a move that has further fueled competition among aspirants from the region.
Meanwhile, consultations are ongoing between the party’s governors and elders to ensure that the convention produces a consensus candidate capable of uniting the party and challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
A member of the PDP Board of Trustees who spoke to PUNCH on condition of anonymity said the convention will be a defining moment for the party.
“The chairmanship election will determine whether the PDP can truly reposition itself as a credible alternative. We need a leader who can unify all factions and restore confidence among our members nationwide,” he said.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
