In a major political development ahead of its 2025 national convention, Northern stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have endorsed former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as their consensus candidate for the position of National Chairman.
The decision, made public on Wednesday via the party’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, followed an extensive consultative meeting in Abuja attended by key PDP figures from across the northern region.
According to the communiqué issued after the meeting, the endorsement came after “intensive consultations and deliberations among Northern PDP leaders aimed at fostering cohesion and strengthening internal democracy within the party.”
“The Northern stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party have formally endorsed Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as the consensus candidate for the position of National Chairman,” the statement read.
“This follows the conclusion of extensive discussions to present a unified position ahead of the PDP’s 2025 elective national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.”
The high-level meeting brought together some of the most influential northern politicians within the PDP, including former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau). Also in attendance were Senator Abba Moro and the party’s acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum.
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Participants unanimously agreed that the chairmanship slot should be zoned to the North-West, describing the decision as one rooted in equity, fairness, and inclusion.
“Stakeholders unanimously agreed that presenting a consensus candidate will help the party approach the convention as one strong, united family,” the communiqué stated.
Turaki’s Political Pedigree
Mr. Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and a former presidential aspirant, is widely regarded within PDP ranks as a bridge-builder and consensus-driven leader. His tenure as minister under former President Goodluck Jonathan earned him a reputation for competence, negotiation, and strategic coordination between tiers of government.
Party insiders view his emergence as part of a broader plan to stabilize the PDP following recent internal tensions and leadership struggles. A senior party figure told New Daily Prime that Turaki’s endorsement “represents a deliberate effort to project unity in the North and reaffirm confidence in the PDP’s democratic processes.”
The decision to zone the chairmanship to the North-West geopolitical zone was made during a weekend retreat of Northern PDP leaders, aimed at consolidating regional alignment ahead of the national convention. The move is also seen as an effort to reinvigorate the PDP’s base in the North, which remains a critical bloc for national elections.
Political analysts suggest that the endorsement could reshape the dynamics of the forthcoming convention, potentially influencing future alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The statement concluded that the party “remains committed to unity, inclusiveness, and the principles of internal democracy,” while reaffirming its readiness to contest power at the national level once again.
