The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of its national convention has intensified, with former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, threatening legal action after being denied access to purchase the nomination form for the position of national chairman.
The convention, slated for November 15–16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, has been marred by controversy following the endorsement of former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as the party’s consensus candidate for the top position.
Lamido’s protest adds to mounting tension within the party, which is already facing legal and internal challenges. A Federal High Court in Abuja will on October 30 rule on a suit seeking to halt the convention — a case reportedly backed by some PDP state chairmen loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, a known critic of the party’s current leadership.
Further complicating matters, the PDP’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has petitioned security agencies over the alleged forgery of his signature on documents submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) notifying it of the convention. Party organs have denied the allegation, but the ongoing investigation continues to cast a shadow over preparations.
Lamido Cries Foul
Lamido told journalists in Abuja that the process was “manipulated,” alleging a lack of consultation in the North West zone.
“I believe in consensus, but there must be consultations. If there are no consultations, then we are not united,” he said. The former governor lamented that the North West PDP never met to discuss the chairmanship, claiming that the meeting scheduled for last Wednesday was pre-empted by another faction.
Lamido added that when he visited the PDP national secretariat (Wadata Plaza) to obtain his nomination form, the office of the National Organising Secretary was locked. He said he was told that the forms were in the custody of Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC).
“So, I have to go to Adamawa to buy the form? If I don’t get it, I’ll go to court. Simple,” Lamido declared.
PDP Dismisses Threats
Reacting, PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi dismissed Lamido’s threat, insisting that the party would not be distracted.
“The deadline for form submission was October 22. Anyone coming after that is simply engaging in drama,” he said, accusing unnamed members of working for “external interests” to destabilise the party.
Abdullahi defended the process that produced Turaki as consensus candidate, saying the decision was made collectively by four northern governors and other stakeholders — consistent with the party’s tradition.
“In the past, one person nominated chairmen. Now, four governors and senior leaders made the call. Those opposing it are being hypocritical,” he added.
Screening Postponed, Turaki Submits Form
Amid the row, the NCOC announced the postponement of the screening exercise for chairmanship aspirants, citing “unforeseen circumstances.” Fintiri assured that a new date would be announced soon, promising a “credible and hitch-free convention.”
Meanwhile, Turaki formally submitted his completed nomination forms at the Legacy House in Abuja. His spokesperson, Mallam Umar Sani, said the campaign had complied fully with the party’s guidelines.
“If Sule Lamido went to Wadata Plaza looking for forms, he went to the wrong place,” Sani remarked. He added that governors have always played decisive roles in PDP leadership selection, tracing the pattern from the Obasanjo era to the present.
Wike’s Camp Backs Ortom
In a fresh twist, the faction loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is reportedly backing former Benue State governor Samuel Ortom for the position. The group argues that the North Central zone deserves to retain the chairmanship since former chairman Iyorchia Ayu, also from Benue, did not complete his tenure.
Wike, in a recent media chat, criticised the consensus process as “a booby trap” that could destroy the party. “Because I’m not a governor, you exclude me from meetings and expect the party to survive?” he asked.
Sources said the Wike bloc plans to push Ortom’s candidacy as an alternative to Turaki, citing fairness and regional balance.
Calls for Reconciliation
Former PDP National Secretary Ibrahim Tsauri has urged the party to immediately establish a reconciliation committee to address grievances ahead of the convention.
“In a democracy, issues like this are normal. Nobody gets everything they want 100 per cent,” Tsauri said. “We must bring everyone back together after the convention.”
He expressed optimism that the party would regain stability after the leadership transition, predicting that many defectors might return once they see capable leadership in place.