The decision, announced by the Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee and Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has drawn opposition from factions loyal to former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, and Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Fintiri, who made the announcement after a meeting of northern PDP stakeholders, explained that Turaki’s endorsement followed consultations among party leaders. He, however, clarified that aspirants who disagreed with the consensus arrangement were free to contest during the convention.
During the meeting—attended by key figures such as Bauchi State Governor and PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman, Bala Mohammed, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana—leaders reaffirmed that the chairmanship position had been zoned to the North, and specifically micro-zoned to the North-West.
However, divisions quickly surfaced. The PDP National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, denied that the North-West had endorsed Turaki, stressing that no such decision had been ratified and that the zone would soon unveil its own preferred candidate.
A northern leader, who attended the meeting but requested anonymity, said the opposition stemmed from Lamido’s ambition to lead the party and Wike’s push for the position to go to the North-Central, where former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom reportedly enjoys support.
“The northern blocs are not united. The Lamido group and Wike’s camp are against Turaki’s endorsement and are actively lobbying for their preferred candidates,” the source said.
Another senior party member attributed the backlash to poor consultation by northern governors before announcing Turaki’s name.
“Many stakeholders in the North-West and North-Central felt sidelined. They believe such major decisions should be based on broader consultations,” the source noted.
Despite the growing dissent, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State downplayed the internal disagreements, assuring that the party would harmonize all positions before the convention.
“It’s a democratic process. The PDP will emerge from this united and ready to reclaim power in 2027,” he said.
Meanwhile, sources confirmed that Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, has been adopted as the South-West consensus candidate for National Secretary following a virtual meeting of zonal stakeholders convened by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
“The South-West has agreed on Arapaja as its consensus candidate for National Secretary without any objection,” a party insider disclosed.
The PDP’s zoning arrangement, approved during its 102nd National Executive Committee meeting in August, reserved the 2027 presidential ticket for the South and the National Chairmanship for the North, a balance party leaders hope will strengthen internal unity ahead of the next general election.