By Umma Muhammad
Barely weeks to its national convention, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is once again embroiled in internal crisis following the rejection of Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as consensus candidate for National Chairman by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido.
Lamido’s opposition has shattered the party’s reported consensus deal and reignited tensions ahead of the 2025 Elective National Convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The rift deepened on Monday after Lamido threatened legal action against the party for allegedly preventing him from purchasing nomination forms. Speaking with journalists in Abuja, he accused unnamed party officials of obstructing his participation, warning that such actions could jeopardise internal democracy within the PDP.
In his words, “If the party fails to allow a level playing field, I will have no choice but to seek redress in court.”
Both the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and the National Organising Secretary, Umaru Bature, denied involvement in the controversy, saying they had not seen any nomination forms since preparations for the convention began.
The crisis came to a head as the party, citing “unforeseen circumstances,” abruptly postponed the screening of aspirants initially scheduled for Tuesday.
Announcing the suspension in a statement, the Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee and Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, assured members that a new date would be communicated soon, adding that the committee remained committed to “a transparent and credible process.”
The PDP’s 2025 convention is expected to be a defining moment for the opposition party as it reorganizes its leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, the latest internal wrangling threatens to undermine efforts to project unity and readiness for the national polls.
