As tension builds ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention scheduled for November in Ibadan, Oyo State, northern leaders of the party have resolved to zone the national chairmanship position to the North-West, in what sources described as a strategic move to strengthen unity and cohesion before the crucial exercise.

Findings revealed that at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja last weekend, northern leaders agreed that the North-West zone should produce the next national chairman. The three northern zones are expected to meet this week to arrive at consensus candidates for key party positions.

According to insiders, the North-West is considering three major contenders — former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki (SAN), and former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi — with Turaki said to enjoy early support from a majority of stakeholders.

A senior party official with knowledge of the development disclosed that Turaki currently enjoys the backing of influential figures, including several governors and members of the National Executive Committee (NEC).

“The noise and tension ahead of the convention are not unexpected. This is a democratic process where interests will naturally differ. But consultations are ongoing, and progress is being made on zoning and power-sharing,” the source said.

He explained that the northern leaders — including governors, former governors, senators, and ex-principal officers of the National Assembly — met to deliberate on zoning arrangements, resolving that the chairmanship should be micro-zoned to the North-West.

“The North-West will likely produce the next national chairman. Major contenders include Turaki, Lamido, and Makarfi. The final decision will be made once consultations across the zones conclude later this week,” the source added.

It was further gathered that Turaki, currently Co-Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee, may resign from his position to formally enter the race once the nomination forms close.

Currently, the North occupies several key National Working Committee (NWC) positions, including the National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman (North), National Legal Adviser, National Organising Secretary, National Youth Leader, and National Treasurer.

Despite the zoning progress, discontent persists within the party, particularly among loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who have expressed dissatisfaction with the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.

Supporters of Wike are said to be angered by unresolved leadership disputes in the South-South, control battles in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau States, and disagreements over micro-zoning of elective positions ahead of the convention.

The disputes have now spilled into the courts. In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/25, the PDP chairmen of Imo and Abia States, Austin Nwachukwu and Amah Nnanna, along with the South-South Zonal Secretary, Turnah George, accused the Damagum-led NWC of breaching the party’s constitution and internal electoral procedures.

Presiding over the case, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, adjourned the matter to October 16 following a dispute over who was authorised to represent the PDP.

The court directed the party’s Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), and Chief Chris Uche (SAN), both claiming to be the party’s counsel, to provide proof of authorisation by the next hearing on October 20.

Subsequently, a letter dated October 16 and signed by 14 members of the NWC reaffirmed Uche’s appointment as the new legal counsel, but Ajibade insisted that only a national convention could remove him.

In a related twist, the court has fixed October 31 for judgment in a separate suit seeking to halt the Ibadan convention over alleged constitutional violations.

The plaintiffs, including the same Imo and Abia chairmen and the South-South PDP Secretary, argued that no valid congresses were held in 14 states prior to the issuance of the notice for the convention slated for November 15–16, 2025.

Justice Omotosho maintained his earlier order directing all parties to maintain the status quo, warning that he would not hesitate to nullify any action taken in defiance of the court.

While the plaintiffs’ counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), urged the court to enforce constitutional compliance, Paul Erokoro (SAN), representing Damagum, and Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), representing the NWC and NEC, argued that convention matters were strictly internal party affairs.

Adding to the turmoil, PDP National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Department of State Services (DSS), denying that he signed the August 29 letter notifying INEC of the convention. He alleged forgery and requested an official investigation.

Although the party dismissed Anyanwu’s claims, it endorsed a DSS probe into the alleged forgery, a development that further complicates the party’s transition process and casts uncertainty over the Ibadan convention.

A PDP chieftain from the North-West explained that the zoning decision would not exclude aspirants from other regions from contesting, emphasizing that consensus and open competition could coexist under the party’s constitution.

“The PDP constitution allows both consensus and open contest. Stakeholders can agree on zoning, but anyone dissatisfied with the outcome is free to contest,” the chieftain said.

Another northern leader confirmed that most stakeholders agreed to zone the chairmanship to the North-West, while other key offices were swapped among the northern zones.

“The positions earlier zoned to the North-West have been reassigned to the North-East, and those of the North-Central to the North-West. The zones will meet this week to finalise their consensus lists,” he explained.

A former PDP National Secretary, Ibrahim Umar Tsauri, also affirmed the arrangement, noting that while some dissenting voices remain, the majority supports the North-West’s claim to the chairmanship slot.

“The North-Central wanted the chairmanship, but the majority supported the North-West. The caucus agreed on the swap, and each zone will soon announce its consensus candidates. However, anyone uncomfortable with the arrangement is free to contest — that’s the spirit of democracy,” Tsauri said.

Reacting to reports of crisis, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba dismissed concerns, insisting that the convention would hold as scheduled and would mark a turning point for the opposition party.

“There are no crises in our party. What people see are healthy democratic engagements. The convention will hold on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, and new leaders will emerge to reposition the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections,” Ologunagba stated.

He added that Nigerians were looking up to the PDP to offer credible leadership alternatives, assuring that the forthcoming convention would produce competent and unifying leaders for the party.