The crisis threatening to derail preparations for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention deepened on Monday as former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, vowed to seek legal redress after being unable to obtain the nomination form for the party’s chairmanship position.
Lamido’s anger comes amid growing discontent over the endorsement of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), former Minister of Special Duties, as the party’s consensus candidate ahead of the November 15–16 convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Before Lamido’s outburst, a Federal High Court in Abuja had already set October 30 to deliver judgment on a suit seeking to halt the convention. The case, reportedly backed by PDP chieftains loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has further deepened divisions in the opposition party.
Legal Tangles and Forgery Claims Cloud Convention
Adding to the tension, PDP National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu—a known Wike ally—petitioned security agencies over the alleged forgery of his signature on official letters to the INEC notifying it of the convention. While the party leadership denies the allegation, the pending investigation could still impact the exercise’s legality.
Lamido, speaking to journalists after failing to purchase his nomination form, described the process as “manipulated.” He said his North West zone was never consulted and accused the governors’ camp of hijacking the process.
“I believe in consensus, but there must be consultations. If there are none, we are not united,” he said, alleging that meetings were deliberately rescheduled to sideline his camp.
“I Was Locked Out of the Process,” Says Lamido
Lamido revealed that when he visited the Wadata Plaza—the PDP’s national secretariat—he found the National Organising Secretary’s office locked. “Even the National Secretary didn’t know where the forms were. That’s strange,” he lamented.
He claimed that the forms were reportedly in the custody of Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who chairs the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC).
“So, I have to go to Adamawa to buy the form? If I don’t get it, I’ll go to court. Simple,” Lamido declared.
Despite his frustration, he maintained that the dispute remained an internal party issue, insisting:
“We’ll never fight because we want to win elections. Our opponents are outside, not within.”
PDP Leadership: “We Won’t Be Derailed”
Reacting, the PDP leadership dismissed Lamido’s allegations, accusing unnamed members of working to destabilize the party.
Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi said the party was “focused on moving forward” and would not allow distractions.
“The deadline for submission of forms was October 22. Anyone coming after that is simply engaging in drama,” he stated.
He maintained that the selection of Turaki followed the PDP’s long-standing tradition of governors and senior leaders driving leadership decisions.
“Those who used this same system to their advantage in the past and now reject it are being hypocritical,” he said.
Convention Screening Postponed Amid Growing Uncertainty
Amid the controversies, the NCOC announced the postponement of the screening exercise for aspirants originally scheduled for Tuesday, October 28.
In a statement signed by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, the committee cited “unforeseen circumstances” for the delay, promising to communicate a new date soon.
“We remain committed to a credible and hitch-free convention,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, the northern consensus candidate, successfully submitted his nomination form at the Legacy House, with his campaign team confirming all requirements were met.
Wike camp backs Ortom, rejects Governors’ consensus
In a twist, the camp loyal to Nyesom Wike has reportedly shifted support to former Benue governor Samuel Ortom. Wike condemned the governors’ process as “a booby trap” for the PDP, warning that “the way these governors are going, they will bury this party.”
Sources close to the minister revealed that his group is advocating for the chairmanship to remain in the North Central zone, arguing that the unfinished tenure of ex-chairman Iyorchia Ayu should be completed by another Benue indigene.
How Turaki emerged as consensus candidate
Party insiders said Turaki’s emergence followed a northern stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja attended by governors, former governors, and senior party leaders. While some, including Lamido, accused the governors of unilateral action, insiders said aspirants were asked to reconcile before Turaki was adopted.
Present at the meeting were Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), alongside other top PDP figures.
As the PDP inches closer to its Ibadan convention, the unfolding drama over the chairmanship race could determine not just the party’s leadership—but its ability to mount a credible challenge against the ruling APC in 2027.
