Northern PDP Leaders Unite Behind Turaki Ahead of Party Convention

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory have chosen former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Tanimu Turaki, as their consensus candidate for the position of national chairman.

The decision was reached during a closed-door meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja, ahead of the party’s national convention scheduled to take place on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, who addressed journalists after the meeting, explained that the endorsement followed wide consultations among PDP governors, members of the National Working Committee, and other northern stakeholders.

He stated that Turaki’s selection represents a collective agreement by northern leaders to present a unified front at the upcoming convention.Fintiri also clarified that while Turaki is the preferred choice of the region, the process remains open for any other aspirant who wishes to contest.

He noted that the northern bloc has ten positions zoned to it for the convention, and discussions are ongoing to finalize candidates for the remaining offices.

The meeting was attended by several prominent party figures, including Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, as well as former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, and members of the PDP National Working Committee from the North led by Umar Damagum.

Fintiri further assured that the PDP remains united despite recent defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that the party’s focus is on ensuring a smooth and peaceful convention in Ibadan.