The former Jigawa State Governor and ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has officially declared his intention to run for the position of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Lamido announced his bid on Monday, October 27th, 2025, via a post on his verified social media page, stating he would purchase his nomination form at the PDP national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, as part of his formal entry into the race.
Lamido’s move comes amid significant controversy within the party over what was reported as a “consensus” endorsement of former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as the Northern zone’s preferred candidate for the chairmanship role. The consensus arrangement has faced rejection from several PDP chapters in the Northwestern states, including Kebbi State, which publicly criticized the process for being imposed without adequate consultation with key party members. The Kebbi PDP chapter particularly highlighted Turaki’s lack of active participation in recent party affairs within the state as a point of contention.
This development signals a direct challenge to the imposed consensus, emphasizing Lamido’s insistence on an elective primary free from imposition. The northern PDP stakeholders are divided, with some backing Turaki while others rally behind Lamido or other aspirants such as former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi and former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, who are also expected to pick nomination forms soon.
Lamido emphasized his renewed commitment to democracy and party regeneration, pledging to restore PDP to its former prominence. His declaration is timely as the party prepares for its national elective convention scheduled for November 15th-16th, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State, where delegates will elect the party’s new national leadership.
The PDP’s internal dynamics have been further complicated by allegations of exclusionary decision-making by certain governors and party officials, with calls for more inclusive and transparent processes as the party approaches a critical juncture ahead of the 2027 general elections.
