Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party in the North have endorsed former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as their consensus candidate for the position of National Chairman ahead of the party’s convention slated for November in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, who made the announcement after a meeting of Northern PDP leaders in Abuja on Wednesday night, declared Turaki as the consensus candidate, noting that any aspirant unsatisfied with the decision is free to contest.

Earlier, former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi, ex-Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, and Turaki were locked in a keen contest for the chairmanship position to be decided at the zonal stakeholders’ meeting this week.

Party insiders disclosed that the North-West zone was expected to choose among the trio, with Turaki reportedly enjoying majority support in the contest.

A top party official with direct knowledge of the issue had said Turaki was likely to emerge as the next PDP national chairman, adding that he enjoyed the backing of key stakeholders, including the few governors now left in the party.

He stated, “The noise and tension in the party ahead of the convention are expected because it’s a democratic setting where members’ interests naturally differ. With an elective convention coming up in November in Ibadan, such disagreements are not unusual.

“However, despite these tensions, the party is making progress. Stakeholders are meeting, and discussions are ongoing about zoning and sharing of positions.

“Over the weekend, northern leaders, including governors, former governors, serving senators, and former principal officers of the National Assembly met in Abuja to deliberate on the region’s position, particularly concerning the office of the national chairman, which is the most senior position in the party.

It was agreed that the position of national chairman should be micro-zoned to the North-West.

“Consequently, the zone is expected to produce the next national chairman of the party. As of now, the major contenders include the former Minister of Special Duties, who enjoys the support of several governors and majority of members from the North-West and beyond, Turaki is likely going to be the next PDP National Chairman.

“Also, the former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido; and former Kaduna State governor, Ahmed Makarfi, are also in the race.

“The final decision will be made after the various zones conclude their consultations. The North-West, North-East, North-Central, and South-West are all expected to meet and produce consensus candidates for their respective positions.

“Before the week ends, the list of consensus candidates, including that of the national chairman, is expected to be ready. Don’t forget that the committee is still selling forms. If things go as expected in Turaki’s favour, he will resign from his current position as Co-Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee to pick the form.”