Politics
Convention: Lamido, Turaki, Makarfi lead PDP chairman race
The PDP leaders, who are also involved in the transition process, that during the Northern stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja last weekend, it was agreed that the North-West zone should produce the party’s national chairman, while the three northern zones would this week decide on the consensus candidates for all key positions.
Party insiders disclosed that the North-West zone was expected to choose among former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki (SAN), and former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi, with Turaki reportedly enjoying an early majority support in the contest.
A top party official said that Turaki was likely to emerge as the next PDP national chairman, adding that he enjoyed the backing of key stakeholders, including the few governors now left in the party.
He stated, “The noise and tension in the party ahead of the convention are expected because it’s a democratic setting where members’ interests naturally differ. With an elective convention coming up in November in Ibadan, such disagreements are not unusual.
“However, despite these tensions, the party is making progress. Stakeholders are meeting, and discussions are ongoing about zoning and sharing of positions.
“Over the weekend, northern leaders, including governors, former governors, serving senators, and former principal officers of the National Assembly met in Abuja to deliberate on the region’s position, particularly concerning the office of the national chairman, which is the most senior position in the party.
It was agreed that the position of national chairman should be micro-zoned to the North-West.
“Consequently, the zone is expected to produce the next national chairman of the party. As of now, the major contenders include the former Minister of Special Duties, who enjoys the support of several governors and majority of members from the North-West and beyond, Turaki is likely going to be the next PDP National Chairman. Also, the former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido; and former Kaduna State governor, Ahmed Makarfi, are also in the race.
“The final decision will be made after the various zones conclude their consultations. The North-West, North-East, North-Central, and South-West are all expected to meet and produce consensus candidates for their respective positions. Before the week ends, the list of consensus candidates, including that of the national chairman, is expected to be ready. Don’t forget that the committee is still selling forms. If things go as expected in Turaki’s favour, he will resign from his current position as Co-Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee to pick the form.”
The North currently occupies key National Working Committee positions, including the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman (North), National Legal Adviser, National Organising Secretary, National Youth Leader, and National Treasurer, as well as the National Vice Chairmen representing the North-East, North-West, and North-Central zones.
Although the party has resolved to hold the event in Ibadan, dissatisfaction persists particularly among supporters of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who remains displeased with the leadership of the acting national chairman, Umar Damagum.
Wike’s loyalists are reportedly angered by the lingering leadership disputes in the South-South, battles over control of party structures in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, and other states, as well as disagreements surrounding the micro-zoning of elective offices ahead of the convention.
FHC adjourns hearing
These internal crises have now escalated into a legal confrontation. In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/25, PDP chairmen from Imo and Abia states, Austin Nwachukwu and Amah Nnanna, along with South-South Zonal Secretary, Turnah George, accused the Damagum-led National Working Committee of breaching the party’s constitution and internal election procedures.
The case, presided over by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, was adjourned to October 16 following a disagreement over who was legally authorised to represent the PDP.
The party’s Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and Chief Chris Uche (SAN) claimed to be the rightful counsel. This made the judge to direct them to present evidence of authorisation before the next hearing on October 20.
Meanwhile, a letter dated October 16 and signed by 14 members of the NWC reaffirmed the decision to remove Ajibade and appoint Chief Uche (SAN) as his replacement. Ajibade, however, maintained that only a national convention had the authority to remove him.
In a fresh twist, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday fixed October 31 for judgment of the suit seeking to halt the Ibadan convention over alleged violations of the party’s constitution.
Justice Omotosho set the date after hearing arguments for and against the suit filed by three aggrieved party members.
The plaintiffs — Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP chairman), Amah Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South) — are asking the court to stop the convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State, where new national officers are expected to be elected.
The plaintiffs alleged that the planned convention breached the PDP Constitution.
The nine defendants in the suit are the Independent National Electoral Commission; the PDP; the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; the National Working Committee; the National Executive Committee; Umar Damagum, Ali Odefa, and Emmanuel Ogidi.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Justice Omotosho reaffirmed his earlier order directing all parties to maintain the status quo regarding the convention, warning that he would not hesitate to nullify any action taken in violation of the court’s directive.
Counsel to the plaintiffs, Joseph Daudu (SAN), urged the court not to dismiss the case as a mere internal party matter but to view it as an effort to enforce compliance with the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the PDP Constitution.
Daudu argued that the Nigerian Constitution mandated INEC to monitor the congresses of political parties before they can be deemed valid.
However, the party’s acting chairman, Damagum, represented by Paul Erokoro (SAN), urged the court to decline jurisdiction, arguing that issues relating to conventions and congresses were internal party affairs.
This position was supported by Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), who represented the PDP’s NWC and NEC, insisting that the courts lacked the authority to intervene in the party’s internal matters.
In a related development, the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, petitioned the Inspector- General of Police, the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Department of State Services, denying that he signed the August 29 letter notifying INEC of the planned convention and requesting an investigation into the alleged forgery of the letter.
Regardless of the party’s dismissal of Anyanwu’s claims and endorsement of a probe of his allegation by the Department of State Services, the developments have deepened uncertainty over the convention, raising fears that the internal wrangling, forgery allegations and court disputes could derail the preparations for the PDP’s leadership transition.
Consensus arrangement
Speaking on the consensus arrangement that would lead to the emergence of the next party chairman, a PDP chieftain from the North-West, explained that the decision does not stop anyone from contesting, noting that any party member from any zone who is unhappy with the arrangement is free to run for any position of his choice.
“The PDP constitution allows for both consensus and open contest, giving stakeholders room to agree while respecting the rights of others to contest,” he added.
Another party leader from the North, who also corroborated the development, told The PUNCH, “During our recent meeting, the majority agreed that the position of national chairman should be zoned to the North-West.
“Other positions were also micro-zoned in a kind of swap arrangement; some offices initially allocated to the North-West were moved to other geopolitical zones. The leaders of the three northern zones – North-West, North-East, and North-Central – will now convene separate meetings within their zones this week to decide on consensus candidates for the various positions.
“As of now, the former Minister of Special Duties (Turakin) is in the race and may emerge chairman as he enjoys majority support, while some party leaders are also supporting Lamido for the position of national chairman. Also in the race from the North-West is former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi.
“When the North-West leaders meet later this week, they are expected to agree on a consensus candidate. However, that will not prevent others from contesting as anyone who disagrees with the consensus is free to participate. That is the beauty of democracy. So, that is the stage we are at now.”
Confirming the micro-zoning arrangement, a former PDP National Secretary, Ibrahim Umar Tsauri, explained that the positions initially zoned to the North-West had been further micro-zoned to the North-East, while those for the North-Central have been allocated to the North- West.
Tsauri, in an exclusive interview with our correspondent, stated, “Yes, the majority agreed that the national chairman should go to the North-West, but a few people have reservations and say they have a minority stance. But the majority agreed with that. In fact, as far as the Northern Caucus is concerned, the position has been micro-zoned to the North-West.
“The North-Central wanted to have the national chairman, but the majority supported the North-West because the contest was between North-Central and North-West. What the party leaders for the North did was: all the positions currently occupied by people from the North-West go to the North-East, and those from the North-East go to the North-Central; the positions of the North- Central have been zoned to the North-West. It is now the prerogative of the zones to do what we call consensus.”
When asked about the candidates, the former PDP national secretary explained that the zonal leaders would make an announcement soon.
He stated, “You’ll have to wait until the time comes. It’s not for you to know now because this is an internal matter. We don’t bring it out until we finish, likely before Monday, you will be able to know.
“Even without asking me, you’ll know those who are interested or the person they’ll zero in on. Each zone will look at who is going to take which position and report when the Chairman of the Convention Committee calls us. Definitely, whatever is going to be done will be done within the week.
“All those positions zoned to North-Central, North-West, and North-East will be brought to the same Northern Caucus. Then, we’ll announce the consensus candidate who are going to contest.
“But if someone feels uncomfortable with the arrangement, he’s free to contest. Zoning is only meant to avoid unnecessary conflicts. That’s our interest, that’s why we are micro-zoning.”
Reacting to the situation in the party, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, dismissed talks of a crisis, stating that the November convention would mark the beginning of a renewed and stronger party.
He stated, “There are no issues in our party. Everything happening shows that the party is a democratic one, and it allows people to contest their opinions, express their views, and abide by their interests. And that’s what is important.
“What is important to us is that the convention will hold on November 15 and 16 as scheduled in Ibadan, and we are going to elect a new set of leaders. This convention will pick new leaders that will position the party, and Nigerians are interested in what is going on.
“They are interested in the affairs of the party. They are interested in what the party leadership is doing. They are interested in the convention because they are tired of the clueless All Progressives Congress administration, and they are looking up to the PDP to return and change things for good.
“So, the convention will produce new leadership that will bring in competent leaders who will run on the party’s ticket in the 2027 general elections.”
The Senate Leader, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi, has revealed plans to sponsor a bill seeking a single six-year tenure for presidents and governors after the 2027 general elections.
Bamidele said the proposed legislation would be among the first bills he intends to introduce in the next Senate, arguing that the reform would enable elected leaders to focus more on governance and less on re-election campaigns.
According to him, the current two-term arrangement often compels officeholders to devote a significant portion of their first term to political calculations and preparations for a second election.
He maintained that a single six-year tenure would eliminate the distractions associated with seeking re-election and allow leaders to concentrate fully on implementing policies and delivering on their mandates.
The Senate Leader acknowledged that the proposal may not receive universal support but insisted that lawmakers have a duty to initiate reforms they believe will strengthen governance and improve the nation’s democratic process.
Bamidele further argued that laws should evolve to reflect changing realities and societal needs, stressing that constitutional and electoral reforms remain essential to deepening democracy.
The proposed change, if eventually adopted, would require amendments to the Nigerian Constitution before it can take effect.
A delegation from the Kwankwasiyya Movement has held a closed-door meeting with the National Leader of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and the party’s national leadership in a bid to resolve internal disagreements in Kano State.
According to a statement issued by the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., the meeting, which lasted several hours, focused on addressing issues between the Kwankwasiyya Movement and legacy officials of the party in Kano.
The statement noted that Senator Dickson and the NDC leadership are currently facilitating discussions aimed at fostering inclusion, unity, and active participation among all party stakeholders.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, stressing that it would not impose candidates in Kano State or any other part of the country.
“The NDC leadership will not impose candidates in Kano State, and indeed across the nation, as the party cherishes the virtues of internal democracy,” the statement said.
It described the meeting as productive and expressed optimism that the ongoing engagements would strengthen cohesion and promote harmony within the party.
The NDC also dismissed reports circulating on social media purporting to contain results of its primary elections, clarifying that no official primary election results have been released in any state.
The party therefore urged its members and the general public to disregard any unofficial lists or purported election results currently in circulation.
BY PETRUS OBI
As the political atmosphere gradually thickens ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State, one name continues to dominate discussions within opposition circles: Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii. Having emerged as one of the most formidable opposition figures in the state, Odii appears poised to make another attempt at the governorship. The question many are asking is whether the prevailing political climate, both nationally and locally, could finally provide the conditions needed for him to achieve what eluded him in previous contests.
Across Nigeria, economic hardship has become the defining issue of the moment. Rising inflation, worsening poverty, unemployment, and persistent insecurity have fueled public frustration. Whether fairly or unfairly, many Nigerians associate these challenges with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. If this sentiment remains strong heading into 2027, opposition candidates across the country could benefit from a growing appetite for change.
In the Southeast, that desire for change has increasingly found expression through the political movement associated with Peter Obi. Obi’s political influence appears to remain significant and, by some accounts, continues to grow. He was recently affirmed as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and subsequently named Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate, creating what many observers see as one of the most formidable opposition tickets ahead of 2027. The alliance combines Obi’s strong support in the South and among younger voters with Kwankwaso’s political network in parts of Northern Nigeria.
For Odii, the rise of an Obi-led opposition movement could prove politically valuable. In 2023, the “Obi effect” transformed voting patterns across many parts of the Southeast. Should that momentum persist into 2027, opposition candidates at the state level may enjoy increased voter enthusiasm, especially among youths, professionals, and first-time voters seeking an alternative to the political status quo.
Yet national sentiment alone does not win governorship elections in Nigeria. Elections are ultimately fought and won through organization, mobilization, and resources. Here, Odii possesses what many consider his greatest advantage. He is widely regarded as one of the most financially capable politicians in Ebonyi State. In a political environment where campaign logistics, grassroots mobilization, media visibility, and election-day operations require enormous resources, financial capacity remains a critical factor. While money does not guarantee victory, it can significantly enhance a candidate’s ability to compete effectively across all 13 local government areas.
Beyond resources, Odii has built substantial name recognition and a political brand that resonates with many voters. His philanthropic activities over the years have created networks of goodwill that could serve as an important political asset. Unlike a newcomer seeking to introduce himself to the electorate, Odii enters the contest with an established profile and a support base that has remained active despite previous electoral setbacks.
However, the greatest obstacle before him remains the formidable structure of the ruling APC. Incumbency, political networks, grassroots structures, and control of key political machinery continue to give the ruling party a significant advantage. The APC remains deeply entrenched in Ebonyi politics and cannot be dismissed simply because of national dissatisfaction with the federal government.
Nevertheless, recent political developments, including defections from the ruling party to opposition platforms, suggest that the political landscape may not be as settled as it once appeared. If those defections continue and are accompanied by growing public frustration over economic conditions, the opposition could enter 2027 with a stronger platform than many anticipated.
Ultimately, the 2027 Ebonyi governorship election may be shaped by a convergence of factors: economic hardship, the growing appeal of political change, the influence of Peter Obi’s movement, Odii’s financial strength, and the ability of the opposition to build a cohesive statewide structure. If these elements align, Odii could emerge as the strongest challenger the APC has faced in years.
For now, the battle for Ebonyi appears to be evolving into a contest between the power of incumbency and the growing demand for change. In that contest, Odii may believe that the political winds are beginning to blow in his direction. Whether those winds become a storm strong enough to sweep away the ruling establishment remains the defining question of Ebonyi politics as 2027 approaches.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Project Monitoring, Mr Felix Igboke, has resigned his position and defected to the Peoples Democratic Party.
Igboke, who officially announced his defection on Sunday during a PDP gathering attended by party leaders, executives and supporters in Isu, Onicha Local Government Area of the state, said he defected with more than 10,000 supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He described his return to the PDP as a homecoming, noting that his political journey began with the party.
Igboke said his decision was informed by the need to align with a political platform capable of advancing the interests of the people and promoting inclusive development in the state.
“I am happy to return to the political platform that built me. I served as a councillor, development centre coordinator and chairman of Onicha Local Government Area under the same party before I joined the APC,” he said.
“I am grateful to the PDP family in Ebonyi State, especially the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma-Odii, the incoming governor,” he added.
The state chairman of the PDP, Mr Chukwuma Igwe, who welcomed the defectors, described Igboke’s return to the party as a major boost to its fortunes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also speaking, the PDP candidate for the Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency seat in 2027, Mr Eni-Uduma Chima, said the party was experiencing rapid growth across Ebonyi.
Chima expressed optimism that the increasing support base would translate into electoral victories for the PDP in future elections.
He urged party members to remain united and committed to strengthening the party’s structures at the grassroots level.
The event attracted party faithful, community leaders and supporters from various parts of the state, who pledged their continued support for the PDP.
(NAN)
…donates N300 million to back Mbah’s re-election
By Chinedu Sabastine
The people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone, Saturday turned out en masse to endorse President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Peter Mbah for a second term in office, come, 2027.
At a rally tagged, “Ofu Obi Mega Solidarity Rally,” held at Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu, the people of the zone not only endorsed Mbah as their sole governorship candidate but also donated the sum of three hundred million Naira, N300 million, to procure nomination form for the governor.
Earlier, elders and traditional rulers from the senatorial district presented Gov. Mbah with a totem, Ofo, as a sign of their support and solidarity.
Prominent sons and daughters attended the rally in their numbers including the former governor of the old Anambra State, Sen. Jim Nwobodo and the former Senate President Ken Nnamani were among the top citizens of the zone that graced the occasion.
Speaking, Gov. Mbah, overjoyed with the show of support and solidarity from his people, said that he was overwhelmed.
Mbah noted that at an earlier rally held at Nsukka by the Enugu North Senatorial Zone, the turn out and mobilization was impressive but that of the Enugu was stunning.
“This is massive. I have used this word before but this one is mind blowing. The last time I was at Nsukka, I saw a sea of heads but this one quite stunning,” Mbah declared pointing out that he lacked words to show he delighted he was.
He pointed out that the endorsement of President Tinubu was also highly appreciated and added that the show of solidarity was highly appreciated.
According to Mbah, his people did a similar thing in 2023 and were re-affirming their support again this time around.
“Four years ago, you presented your son as a governor and today, you are re-affirming the import of that presentation and the import of what you are doing today cannot be lost on us.
“This show of affection and support is beyond symbolicism and my heart is full of gratitude, gratitude because you have always stood firmly like a rock behind me,”he said.
Gov. Mbah said that four years ago, his people did something that defined an era, stressing that what they did has today produced tangible results because today, Enugu has air transports, EnuguAir, a remodeled Hotel Presidential, completed and functional International Conference Centre, ICC, transport terminal as well as CNG buses with Air conditioner and wifi services as well as Green and Smart Schools and Type 2 primary health centres among others.
He said that when he assumed office, he sign a citizens charter to deliver good governance to the people and has been living up to it.
Expressing hope that if returned as a governor, come 2027 he would do more, pointing out that in no distant time, Enugu will begin to experience uninterrupted power supply by launching a 36O mega watts of electricity through a Coal fire powered plant.
With that he said, citizens of the state will stay in the state to do business instead of moving out to other cities in Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking earlier, former governor, Jim Nwobodo, while endorsing Mbah for a second term in office said that other governors before Mbah did eight years and that it would be good that he too go for a second term in office because he has performed and is performing.
“I didn’t come here for party. Others did eight years and now Mbah will do eight years. He is doing well, let him complete his second term. As far as I am concerned, Peter Mbah will go for a second term.
“I don’t have much to say. I say the truth. Peter Mbah is doing well. It is not only APC that will vote. PDP, ADC and others will vote for Peter Mbah. Allow Peter Mbah to finish what he started,” Nwobodo declared.
On his part, the former Senate President, Ken Nnamani said that Mbah has shown that he has a vision and a mission and should be allowed to continue.
Nnamani urged those who are itching to compete with governor Mbah to steer clear because one does not rule with anger. “We have only one candidate and that is Gov. Mbah,” he emphasised.
The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the APC, Ben Nwoye, commended political leaders and stakeholders from Enugu East Senatorial District for endorsing President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah for second terms in office, describing the move as a demonstration of political maturity and commitment to continuity.
He praised the district’s leaders for what he described as a visionary decision aimed at sustaining ongoing development efforts at both the federal and state levels.
“I have seen people like the former governor of old Anambra State; I have also seen the former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, and many of the founders and leaders of Enugu State here, all for the endorsement of our dear President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah. I’m quite impressed because your presence shows political maturity,” Nwoye said.
He noted that continuity in leadership would provide the opportunity to consolidate achievements and complete projects already initiated by the two administrations.
Nwoye particularly lauded Governor Mbah for what he described as remarkable developmental strides across Enugu State, saying the governor had demonstrated commitment to transforming the state through infrastructure, economic and social development programmes.
According to him, Mbah’s performance has earned him support across political and regional divides.
The APC deputy national chairman also highlighted the importance of the governorship zoning arrangement in Enugu State, describing it as a major factor behind the peace and political stability the state has enjoyed since 1999.
Chairman of the Planning/Steering Committee that organised the mega rally, Ofu Obi Mega Rally, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, noted that Gov. Mbah by every ramification has shown the capacity to govern and should be allowed to continue with his good works and urged his people to give the governor their maximum support.
“Today is not just another political gathering. Today is a historic declaration of faith, unity, gratitude, and determination. Today, the people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone have risen with one voice, one spirit, and one mission to declare before the entire nation that we stand firmly, proudly, and unshakably behind the re-election of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, come 2027.
“What we are witnessing here today is not an ordinary rally. This is the mother of all rallies. This is the gathering of a people united by progress, inspired by vision, and riven by the extraordinary transformation taking place across Enugu State under the purposeful leadership of Governor Peter Mbah. Our assembly here today offers us a unique opportunity to welcome home, our son in whom we are well pleased.
“My brothers and sisters, when leadership is visionary, the people rejoice. When leadership is courageous, development becomes visible. And when leadership is committed to the welfare of the people, hope returns to society.
“Governor Peter Mbah came into office with a clear vision to make Enugu State one of the leading economies in Nigeria, to create jobs for our youths, to modernize infrastructure, to secure our communities, to reposition education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and technology for the future.
“Today, that vision is no longer a promise; it is becoming a living reality before our very eyes. He came, he saw and he is conquering the development challenges and transforming the socio-political and economic landscape of the capital State of Eastern region. Across our roads, schools, hospitals, communities, and economic sectors, the evidence of transformational leadership is speaking louder than propaganda. The people can see the difference. The youths can feel the energy of a government working for them. Women can see renewed hope. Traders, farmers, civil servants, professionals, and entrepreneurs can testify that Enugu State is moving forward with confidence and speed.
“That is why we are gathered here today to celebrate and to consummate and express a collective resolve to queue and rally round this icon of leadership and enigmatic apostle of disruptive innovation, who is steadily taking us to the lofty heights of growth and stability. We are here today not because anybody forced us, but because gratitude compels us; because conviction unites us; because the future of Enugu State matters to us.
“This rally is a loud message to the entire nation that Enugu East Senatorial Zone and in deed Enugu State, stands solidly behind our son, our leader, our pride, Governor Peter Mbah. We are proud that he comes from our soil, but even more importantly, we are proud of the quality of leadership he has brought to Enugu State.”
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