By  Sandra Ugwu 
October 22, 2025

Amid internal tensions and legal challenges, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified consultations ahead of its forthcoming national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Northern leaders of the party have reportedly agreed to zone the national chairmanship position to the North-West, a move aimed at fostering unity before the crucial leadership transition.

At a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja last weekend, it was resolved that the North-West zone would produce the next national chairman. Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki (SAN), and former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi have emerged as the leading contenders, with Turaki said to be enjoying majority support from key party stakeholders, including governors and senior figures within the PDP.

A top party insider revealed that the decision to micro-zone the chairmanship to the North-West was part of ongoing efforts to balance leadership representation and reduce regional friction. The official added that the final list of consensus candidates for various national offices is expected before the end of the week.

However, the build-up to the Ibadan convention has been marred by internal disputes and court cases. In one major suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/25) before the Federal High Court in Abuja, PDP chairmen from Imo and Abia states, along with the South-South Zonal Secretary, accused the acting National Working Committee led by Umar Damagum of violating the party’s constitution in its preparations for the convention.

Justice James Omotosho has fixed October 31 for judgment in the case, which seeks to halt the convention. The judge also directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the final ruling.

The plaintiffs, represented by Joseph Daudu (SAN), argue that no valid congresses were conducted in 14 states before the PDP leadership announced the convention. In contrast, the party’s counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN) and Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the suit, insisting that internal party matters should not be subject to judicial interference.

In a related twist, PDP National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu petitioned the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services over an allegedly forged letter notifying the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the upcoming convention, a development that has further deepened division within the party.

Despite the controversies, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba dismissed reports of crisis, maintaining that the convention would go on as planned. “There are no issues in our party. The PDP remains democratic, allowing every member to express their opinion. The convention will hold in Ibadan, and it will produce new leaders capable of repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

The outcome of the court’s decision and the zoning consultations will determine whether the PDP can successfully navigate its internal turbulence and emerge united for the November convention.

- AnchorNews