Sources reports that at its 102nd NEC meeting held on August 25, 2025, in Abuja, the PDP resolved to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, while reserving the national chairmanship position for the North.
Following that decision, northern leaders convened over the weekend and micro-zoned the chairmanship slot to the North-West region.
Last week, Northern PDP governors, led by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, alongside other party leaders, endorsed former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as the North’s consensus candidate for the chairmanship position.
However, the decision has not gone unchallenged. Some northern stakeholders, reportedly backing former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, voiced their displeasure, alleging that they were not consulted before Turaki’s endorsement.
According to reports, the dissenting group is led by the National Organising Secretary of the PDP, Umar Bature.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is said to be backing his ally, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, for the same position, a move believed could further test the fragile balance within the party.
The former national secretary, Tsauri, maintained that the incoming leadership must place a premium on party discipline and strict adherence to the PDP constitution.
“We expect that under the leadership of the next national chairman, discipline will be fully enshrined within the party,” he told The PUNCH.
“The new leadership must promote party supremacy, ensure that the constitution of the party is strictly followed in all its activities, and guarantee a level playing field for all members, irrespective of status or affiliation.”
Tsauri added that such an approach would rebuild trust among members and attract those who had left the party.
“We are confident that such leadership will foster unity, fairness, and renewed confidence among members. Many who left will return, while those still within will be further motivated to remain steadfast,” he said.
He reaffirmed faith in the PDP’s national reach, describing it as the “only truly national political party” with deep structures across all states.
“As founding members and loyal stakeholders, we remain committed to the vision and values of the PDP,” he added.
