The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a new turn as party leaders from the North West zone have rejected the reported endorsement of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties, as the party’s consensus candidate for the position of National Chairman.

The rejection came after reports surfaced that northern PDP stakeholders had endorsed Turaki during a meeting reportedly led by Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri. However, North West leaders have distanced themselves from the decision, insisting that it does not reflect their collective position or agreement.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting in Abuja, the party’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, voiced the concerns of the North West PDP leaders. He accused Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, of making a unilateral decision without due consultation with other stakeholders from the zone. Bature explained that although Governor Lawal had earlier called for a meeting to deliberate on potential candidates, he later postponed it and went ahead to declare support for Turaki independently.

Bature stressed that such unilateral actions could deepen the party’s divisions and undermine the internal democratic process the PDP is known for. He emphasized that any candidate chosen as the party’s national chairman must emerge through collective consultation and consensus among all stakeholders, not through individual endorsements.

The North West PDP leaders called on the party’s national leadership to intervene and ensure fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in the selection process to prevent further disunity ahead of the 2025 National Convention. They reaffirmed their commitment to rebuilding the party and ensuring it remains a strong opposition force in Nigeria’s political landscape.