Turaki Submits PDP Chairmanship Nomination Form as Lamido Yet to Purchase

Former Minister of Special Duties and one-time presidential aspirant, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, has formally submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to contest for the position of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the party’s upcoming Elective National Convention scheduled for November 15 , 16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Turaki, who arrived at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja on Monday in the company of party stalwarts and supporters, said his decision to join the race was driven by a desire to reposition the opposition party for victory in future elections and restore its founding values of unity, justice, and inclusiveness.

Speaking after submitting his forms to officials of the PDP National Organising Committee, Turaki said:

“Our great party, the PDP, stands at a defining moment. We must rebuild confidence, strengthen internal democracy, and reconnect with Nigerians who are yearning for good governance. I am offering myself to serve with humility, experience, and a renewed vision to make our party stronger than ever.”

Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former presidential aspirant in the 2019 elections, has long been regarded as one of the party’s key northern figures with broad appeal across Nigeria’s political landscape.

Meanwhile, former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, who was also expected to contest for the PDP chairmanship, has reportedly been unable to purchase his nomination forms as of Monday evening.

Party sources say Lamido is still consulting with stakeholders and considering his options before making a final decision.

A source close to Lamido’s campaign team told journalists that the former governor remains “deeply interested” in the race but is weighing the implications of the crowded field and ongoing negotiations within the northern caucus of the party.

The race for the PDP’s top seat is expected to be a tightly contested affair, with other prominent names including former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, and ex-National Secretary, Ibrahim Tsauri reportedly preparing to join the contest.

Party insiders say the new National Chairman will face the task of reconciling warring factions, rebuilding grassroots structures, and preparing the PDP to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

The PDP has continued to emphasize that its upcoming convention in Ibadan will be “free, fair, and transparent,” with delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory expected to participate in electing new national officers.