Introduction to the PDP National Chairmanship Race
Former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), has formally entered the race for the National Chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as his nomination form was submitted to the party’s national secretariat annex in Abuja on Monday. The form was submitted on his behalf by Umar Sani, former spokesman to ex–Vice President Namadi Sambo, who confirmed that the exercise was completed and duly acknowledged by the party’s officials.
Submission of Nomination Form
“Today is the final day for submission of forms, and I can confirm that we have submitted Turaki’s form. It has been properly received and acknowledged. We now await the invitation from the party for his screening,” Sani told reporters. Reacting to the controversy surrounding the inability of former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, to obtain the chairmanship form earlier in the day, Sani said the issue was outside Turaki’s concern.
Controversy Over Form Availability
“Today was set aside for submission of forms, not for sale. If the PDP secretariat cannot explain why Lamido couldn’t access the form, that’s not Turaki’s business,” he said. Sani further clarified that Turaki’s camp obtained the form “in line with the Supreme Court judgment affirming the right of the PDP to run its internal affairs independently.” He added that Turaki’s emergence as the consensus candidate of the North West zone followed extensive consultations among stakeholders, led by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, with all state chapters agreeing that the governors should harmonise their choice.
Turaki’s Consensus Candidacy
“All stakeholders agreed that the governors should decide on a candidate, and they unanimously chose Turaki,” Sani said. The screening of aspirants for the PDP’s national offices ahead of the 2025 National Convention is expected to commence later this week.
Lamido’s Ordeal
The Guardian reported that former Jigawa State governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, threatened to head to court for being denied the opportunity to obtain the form to contest the office of the national chairman at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. Lamido, who arrived at the Wadata Plaza headquarters of the PDP in the morning, was shocked to discover that key party officials, including the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, and the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu claimed ignorance of the sale or availability of nomination forms for the forthcoming national convention.
Reaction to the Incident
Speaking with journalists shortly after the incident, Lamido described the development as “strange and embarrassing”, warning that he would seek legal redress if he remained unable to procure the form. “I came to the secretariat to purchase my form as stipulated in the party’s constitution, but to my surprise, the office of the National Organising Secretary was locked,” Lamido lamented. “Both the Organising Secretary and the National Secretary told me they had no idea where the forms were, not even how they were printed or who was selling them. This is very strange. If the forms are now being controlled by Governor Fintiri, then perhaps I have to go to Adamawa to buy mine?”
Conclusion
The submission of Turaki’s nomination form and the controversy surrounding Lamido’s inability to obtain the form have added a new twist to the PDP national chairmanship race. As the party prepares for its national convention, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the outcome of the election.
FAQs
- Q: Who has submitted their nomination form for the PDP national chairmanship?
A: Tanimu Turaki (SAN) has submitted his nomination form. - Q: What was the reaction of Umar Sani to the controversy surrounding Sule Lamido’s inability to obtain the form?
A: Sani stated that the issue was outside Turaki’s concern and that the form was submitted in line with the Supreme Court judgment. - Q: What is the next step in the PDP national chairmanship race?
A: The screening of aspirants for the PDP’s national offices is expected to commence later this week. - Q: Why was Sule Lamido unable to obtain the nomination form?
A: According to Lamido, key party officials claimed ignorance of the sale or availability of nomination forms. - Q: What is Lamido’s plan if he remains unable to procure the form?
A: Lamido has threatened to seek legal redress if he is unable to obtain the form.
Source: guardian.ng
