Northern stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have officially endorsed former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Turaki, as the consensus candidate for the party’s national chairmanship position ahead of the forthcoming elective convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Adamawa State Governor, Umar Fintiri, disclosed this to journalists after a closed-door meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday. He clarified that the endorsement does not stop any other aspirant from contesting, as the party remains open to democratic participation.
The consensus resolution was reached during a strategic meeting attended by key northern leaders of the PDP, including the governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Zamfara, and Plateau States; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; Senator Abba Moro; PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum; and other influential figures from the North.
The PDP’s national elective convention is scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan, where new members of the National Working Committee (NWC) will be elected to steer the party towards the 2027 general elections and beyond.
The crucial meeting took place at the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, who was also a contender for the chairmanship position. Other attendees included the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Bala Mohammed; Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal; Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang; and Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki and Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro were also present. Alongside Senator Makarfi, other notable northern figures who had shown interest in the chairmanship position included former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido.
What you should know
Kabiru Turaki, a seasoned politician and lawyer, has been a key member of the Peoples Democratic Party and previously served as Minister of Special Duties under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
His endorsement as the northern consensus candidate is viewed as a significant step towards strengthening unity within the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party’s upcoming national convention in Ibadan will determine whether Turaki’s selection gains full acceptance or faces further internal challenges as the PDP prepares to redefine its leadership and strategy.
