Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Backs Tanimu Turaki for PDP Chairmanship
Says Consensus Aligns with Party’s Constitution Despite Opposition
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has declared his support for former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as the consensus candidate for the position of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Governor Lawal’s endorsement comes days after northern PDP stakeholders adopted Mr. Turaki as their preferred consensus candidate ahead of the party’s forthcoming national convention.
The adoption, however, has not been without controversy. Some stakeholders from the North-West zone, including the Kebbi State chapter of the PDP, have rejected the move, arguing that they were not consulted before Turaki’s endorsement.
Speaking on Friday during the inauguration of the Accreditation Sub-Committee for the convention, Governor Lawal dismissed the disagreements as normal in a democratic setting, describing them as part of the “political dynamics” that strengthen internal party democracy.
“The decision to adopt a consensus candidate is consistent with the provisions of our party’s constitution, which recognizes consensus as a legitimate means of leadership selection,”
Governor Lawal stated.
He urged party members to prioritize unity and collective interest over personal ambitions, emphasizing that the PDP must approach its national convention with a common purpose to reposition itself ahead of future elections.
Political observers note that Governor Lawal’s open endorsement of Mr. Turaki further consolidates the growing support for the former minister across the northern PDP bloc, despite internal dissent in some quarters.
Mr. Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former presidential aspirant, is widely seen within the party as a bridge-builder and reform-minded politician with a long record of service to the PDP at both national and zonal levels.
With the PDP convention drawing closer, the endorsement by key figures such as Governor Lawal is expected to shape the final consensus process as the party seeks to strengthen its leadership structure and restore public confidence.