The Kebbi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has disassociated itself from the reported adoption of former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, as the Northern consensus candidate for the position of PDP National Chairman. After an emergency meeting held in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday, the chapter declared that it was neither consulted nor in support of the decision allegedly taken by some PDP governors in the North.
In a communiqué presented to newsmen, the State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Sani Dododo, said the Kebbi PDP aligns with the position of North West stakeholders who had earlier rejected the endorsement. He stressed that Turaki had not demonstrated commitment to the growth or affairs of the party in Kebbi.
According to Dododo, “At no time, not a day, not a minute, not even a second, did Kabiru Tanimu visit Kebbi to consult with any stakeholder, leader, or elder of our party. He has never informed us of his intention to contest, nor has he contributed to party activities in the state.” He added that the Kebbi PDP fully supports the North West resolution that each state should have the autonomy to deliberate and nominate its preferred candidate in line with the party’s zoning formula.
“The Kebbi State chapter therefore totally rejects the decision to adopt the former minister as the Northern consensus candidate. We reaffirm our commitment to due process and collective decision-making within the party,” Dododo said. The race for the position of PDP National Chairman has intensified in recent weeks as governors and key stakeholders continue consultations. With the incumbent’s tenure coming to an end, discussions have centred on returning the seat to the North, in keeping with the party’s rotational arrangement.
Reports earlier in the week suggested that some Northern PDP governors had endorsed Turaki as a consensus choice. However, the move has sparked resistance from parts of the North West, including Kebbi, where critics insist that the selection process lacked inclusiveness. Political observers say the development further exposes internal divisions in the PDP as it attempts to reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections. Stakeholders are calling for broader consultations to ensure unity before a final decision is made on the chairmanship position.
Source: https://punchng.com/
