Former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Tanimu Turaki, SAN, has emerged as the northern consensus candidate for the position of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ahead of the party’s national convention slated for November in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The decision was reached following a series of consultative meetings among prominent PDP leaders, governors, and other key stakeholders from the northern region, who unanimously agreed to rally behind Turaki as the region’s preferred aspirant for the top party position.
Sources at the meeting revealed that the endorsement was aimed at presenting a united northern front and strengthening the party’s internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Turaki, a senior advocate of Nigeria and former presidential aspirant in the 2019 elections, is widely regarded within the PDP as a bridge-builder and consensus seeker. His emergence, stakeholders say, is part of ongoing efforts to reposition the party and ensure balance and inclusivity in its leadership structure.
A communiqué issued after the northern leaders’ meeting noted that the decision to adopt Turaki followed “a transparent and wide-ranging consultation process involving critical stakeholders across the three geopolitical zones of the North.”
It read in part, “After careful deliberation, wide consultations, and consideration of all aspirants from the North, the forum unanimously endorses Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as the consensus candidate for the position of National Chairman of our great party, the PDP. This decision reflects our collective commitment to unity, experience, and effective leadership.”
Turaki, reacting to his endorsement, expressed gratitude to the northern PDP leaders for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work toward party unity, reconciliation, and grassroots rejuvenation.
He said, “I am deeply humbled by this endorsement and the trust placed in me by our leaders and members across the North. My focus, if elected, will be on rebuilding our structures, strengthening internal democracy, and restoring the PDP as the true voice of Nigerians.”
With Turaki’s emergence as the northern consensus candidate, attention now shifts to the southern caucus of the party, which is expected to either endorse the decision or field a rival candidate ahead of the Ibadan convention.
Political observers note that the outcome of the chairmanship contest will play a significant role in shaping the PDP’s strategy for reclaiming power in the 2027 general elections.
