Tension in PDP as Lamido defies Turaki’s endorsement

Former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, has officially declared his intention to contest for the position of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Lamido made his ambition public in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Monday, announcing that he would be visiting the PDP national secretariat in Abuja to obtain his nomination form.

“By the grace of God, I shall today, Monday, 27th October 2025, by 11 a.m., be at Wadata Plaza, the national headquarters of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, to purchase the nomination form to run for the office of National Chairman,” he wrote.

The former Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed his dedication to strengthening the PDP and restoring its past glory.“My commitment to democracy and resolve to restore our dear party to its old glory is unstoppable,” he said.

The PDP, which governed Nigeria between 1999 and 2015, is expected to elect a new national chairman at its forthcoming convention.

Lamido’s declaration follows the endorsement of former Minister Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as the consensus candidate for the chairmanship position by northern PDP stakeholders.

However, factions loyal to Lamido and former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, have rejected Turaki’s endorsement, faulting the process as lacking adequate consultation — a development that highlights growing divisions within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

During its 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on August 25 in Abuja, the PDP resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South while reserving the national chairmanship position for the North.

The party had earlier announced that its 2025 Elective National Convention would take place in Ibadan, Oyo State, between November 15 and 16.

In preparation for the exercise, the PDP’s National Convention Organising Committee, chaired by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, named a 13-member Screening Committee to vet aspirants for national offices.

According to the statement issued on October 25, the screening will be conducted on Tuesday, October 28, under the leadership of Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), a former Ondo State governorship candidate.