Former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has officially declared his intention to contest for the position of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Lamido made the announcement on Monday via a post on his verified Facebook page, confirming that he would visit the party’s national secretariat in Abuja to obtain his nomination form.
“By the grace of God, I shall today, Monday, 27th October 2025, by 11 am, be at Wadata Plaza, the national headquarters of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, to purchase the nomination form to run for the office of National Chairman,” he wrote.
A founding member of the PDP and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lamido said his decision stemmed from a deep commitment to rebuilding and strengthening the party ahead of the next general elections.
“My commitment to democracy and resolve to restore our dear party to its old glory is unstoppable,” he added.
The PDP, which governed Nigeria from 1999 to 2015, is preparing to elect a new national chairman at its upcoming National Convention, as part of efforts to reposition itself before the 2027 general elections.
Lamido’s declaration follows reports that northern PDP stakeholders had earlier endorsed former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as their consensus candidate for the chairmanship.
However, factions loyal to Lamido and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, have rejected Turaki’s endorsement, arguing that the selection process lacked adequate consultation and transparency.
The development underscores rising internal tensions within the PDP over its leadership direction and zoning arrangements.
At the party’s 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on August 25 in Abuja, members resolved to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South, while reserving the position of National Chairman for the North.
Meanwhile, the PDP has fixed its 2025 Elective National Convention for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In preparation, the party announced the formation of a 13-member National Convention Screening Committee to vet aspirants for national offices.
The committee, chaired by Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), a former Ondo State governorship candidate and respected legal practitioner, will conduct its screening exercise on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, according to a statement signed by Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State and Chairman of the PDP National Convention Organising Committee.
