Lamido, Wike camps oppose Turaki’s selection

The endorsement of former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as consensus candidate for the position of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sparked opposition from camps loyal to former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, and ex-Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

The development comes ahead of the PDP’s National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

It was also gathered that the Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, has been picked as the South-West zone’s consensus choice for National Secretary.

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, however, played down reports of disagreement, assuring that ongoing consultations would ensure all stakeholders are carried along.

At the 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on August 25 in Abuja, the party had zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, while reserving the National Chairmanship for the North. Northern leaders later micro-zoned the position to the North-West.

Former governors Ahmed Makarfi, Sule Lamido, and Tanimu Turaki were listed among the top contenders for the post.

Following a meeting attended by key PDP figures, including Governors Bala Mohammed, Caleb Mutfwang, and Dauda Lawal, as well as Bukola Saraki, Prof. Jerry Gana, and Abba Moro, the Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, announced Turaki’s adoption as the consensus choice.

Fintiri clarified, however, that any aspirant opposed to the consensus could still contest during the convention.

But the PDP National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, refuted reports that the North-West had endorsed Turaki, saying the zone was yet to take an official position.

A northern leader, who attended the meeting but spoke anonymously, said the disagreement arose from Lamido’s ambition to lead the party and Wike’s push for the position to be given to someone from the North-Central.