Lamido rejects Turaki’s consensus endorsement, deepens PDP leadership crisis ahead of convention

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Barely weeks before its national convention, new cracks have emerged in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido rejected the endorsement of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as the party’s consensus candidate for national chairman.

The disagreement has reignited internal tension within the opposition party and could lead to a courtroom battle, even as Turaki’s supporters continue their campaign.

The development came as the PDP suspended the screening of aspirants for its 2025 Elective National Convention, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, citing “unforeseen circumstances.” The decision, announced less than a month before the event, has fueled concerns among party members and political observers about internal disarray.

In a statement Monday, the Chairman of the National Convention Organizing Committee and Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri said a new date for the screening would be communicated soon.

“The National Convention Organizing Committee (NCOC) of our great party has put on hold the screening of aspirants for the 2025 Elective National Convention due to unforeseen circumstances,” Fintiri said. “A new date will be communicated once fixed. The NCOC regrets any inconvenience caused.”

He assured members that the committee remains committed to delivering a transparent and credible convention, scheduled for Nov. 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Lamido, however, accused party leaders of sidelining him in the process. He threatened legal action after he was allegedly denied access to purchase nomination forms for the national chairmanship position. The former governor said he was surprised to find most PDP offices locked when he arrived at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Monday.

Lamido claimed that both the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, and National Organizing Secretary, Umar Bature, were unaware of the whereabouts of the nomination forms. The two officials later confirmed to journalists that they had not seen the forms since preparations began.

Meanwhile, Turaki, the North’s consensus candidate and former Minister of Special Duties, formally submitted his nomination form Monday, pledging to ensure fairness, discipline and stability in the PDP if elected.

During its Aug. 25 National Executive Committee meeting, the PDP zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South and the chairmanship position to the North. Northern leaders later micro-zoned the position to the Northwest and endorsed Turaki as the consensus candidate.

But Lamido and his supporters dismissed the endorsement, alleging they were not consulted. “If there are consultations, there can be consensus,” Lamido said. “But if there are no consultations, then we are not united.”

In a separate statement, PDP chieftain Umar Sani, a close ally of Turaki, dismissed Lamido’s claims and confirmed that Turaki’s nomination forms had been duly submitted and acknowledged at the party’s Legacy House in Abuja.

Sani said Turaki is not intimidated by any contender and will lead the party with neutrality and fairness if elected. “He is neither with Wike nor the Governors’ Forum. Turaki will stabilize the PDP and ensure discipline,” Sani said.

The PDP’s 2025 convention in Ibadan is expected to attract top leaders, governors and stakeholders as the party seeks to reorganize ahead of the 2027 general elections.