LEGAL SHOWDOWN THREATENS PDP CONVENTION AMID INTENSE CHAIRMANSHIP RACE

A lawsuit seeking to halt the PDP National Convention has escalated internal crises within the party, even as three heavyweights vie for the National Chairman position. The suit, filed by Austin Nwachukwu, Amah Nnanna, and Turnah Alabh George, alleges that the planned convention in Ibadan breaches the PDP Constitution.

The case, presided over by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, is set for judgment on October 31. Meanwhile, the chairmanship contest features former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, former Minister Tanimu Turaki, and former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi.

An insider source said, “Lamido, a former two-term Governor of Jigawa State is widely respected as a staunch party loyalist and founding member of the PDP. Some believe that Lamido is a stabilising force needed to resolve internal conflicts and restore the party’s national stature.”

The source also highlighted Makarfi’s consensus-building skills and Turaki’s network as key assets. The eventual winner will inherit the task of reunifying a fractured party, with focus areas including party unity, strategic direction for the 2027 elections, and mobilization across zones.

On zoning, former PDP National Secretary Ibrahim Umar Tsauri explained, “The majority agreed that the national chairman should go to the North-West.” He detailed that positions have been micro-zoned, with North-West roles shifting to North-East, North-East to North-Central, and North-Central to North-West. Tsauri stated, “It is now the prerogative of the zones to do what we call consensus.”

The internal disputes involve supporters of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who are displeased with leadership and micro-zoning issues. The convention, scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, is a critical moment for the PDP to overcome electoral losses and internal skirmishes.