PDP Convention Faces Uncertainty as Party Suspends Screening of Aspirants

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was thrown into confusion on Monday after it abruptly suspended the screening of aspirants for its 2025 Elective National Convention, originally scheduled to hold today, citing “unforeseen circumstances.”

The decision, coming less than a month before the long-awaited convention, has raised concerns among party members and observers about possible internal crises and the implications of the delay for the party’s preparations.

In a statement signed by Ahmadu Fintiri, Governor of Adamawa State and Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), the committee announced:

“The National Convention Organising Committee of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, has put on hold the screening of aspirants for the 2025 Elective National Convention earlier scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, due to unforeseen circumstances.”

Fintiri added that a new date would be communicated in due course, expressing regret over the inconvenience caused and urging aspirants and members to exercise patience as the party works to resolve the issues behind the delay.

He assured party members that the NCOC remains committed to delivering a “credible, transparent, and hitch-free convention” slated for November 15–16, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Lamido Angered by Denial of Chairmanship Nomination Form — Vows Legal Action

Tension heightened further after former Jigawa State governor and ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Sule Lamido, expressed outrage over his inability to obtain the nomination form to contest for the position of National Chairman.

Lamido, who arrived at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, said he met locked offices and uncooperative officials who claimed ignorance of the form’s availability.

“I went to the office of the National Organising Secretary, which is normally where the forms are sold, and the office was locked,” he told journalists. “I met the Organising Secretary and the Secretary of the Party, Senator Anyanwu, but both said they had no idea where the forms are or how they were printed.”

The visibly angered Lamido described the incident as “strange” and accused unnamed party leaders of hijacking the process to exclude him from the race.

He alleged that the nomination forms were being controlled by the NCOC, chaired by Governor Fintiri, instead of being managed by the party secretariat.

“So, Fintiri is now holding the forms. I have to go to Adamawa and buy the form,” he said.

Lamido dismissed reports that the sale of forms had closed on September 3, insisting that only the National Executive Committee (NEC) had the authority to approve such changes.

“All decisions of the party must be done by the NEC. Somehow, I think the entire function of the NEC has been taken over by individuals,” he lamented.

Despite his frustrations, the former governor said the matter remained a “family issue” that would eventually be resolved.

“We’ll never fight, no matter what, because we want to win the election. If we fight, we’ll lose. Our opponents are outside — the APC and their evil system,” he added.

Lamido also rejected allegations that PDP governors were opposing his ambition due to alleged links with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“They met me in PDP, for God’s sake. Where were they in 1998 when we fought for the party? Don’t bring up divisive issues,” he said.

The former minister described the ongoing process as rushed and secretive, vowing to seek legal redress if denied the opportunity to contest.

“If I don’t get the form, I’ll go to court. Simple,” he declared.

He urged the PDP to restore internal discipline and transparency to strengthen its chances in the 2027 general elections.

Turaki Submits Forms, Emerges Consensus Chairmanship Candidate

Meanwhile, another national chairmanship aspirant, former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki (SAN), submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms yesterday at the NCOC Secretariat, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja.

Turaki, who is reportedly backed by a majority of PDP stakeholders as a consensus candidate, was accompanied by friends and political associates to the submission.

Over 20 PDP Lawmakers Threaten Defection Over Alleged APC-Linked Nominee

Adding to the turmoil, more than 20 PDP federal lawmakers have threatened to defect from the party over an alleged plot to clear a nominee of an All Progressives Congress (APC) governor for the position of PDP National Woman Leader.

In a joint statement, the lawmakers, led by Ikenga Ugochinyere, accused the PDP leadership of secretly issuing a nomination form to a woman allegedly nominated by Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, who they claimed had defected to the APC.

“It’s shameful that PDP governors who should be angry with Governor Mbah for abandoning the party are instead backing his nominee,” the statement read.

They also alleged that PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, were behind the move, describing it as part of a wider plot to infiltrate the PDP with pro-APC loyalists who may endorse President Bola Tinubu for 2027.

“We vow to decamp from the PDP if this woman, nominated by an APC governor, is not disqualified. This is non-negotiable,” the lawmakers warned.

The group urged the party to instead issue the form to a “loyal PDP member” from Imo or Enugu State, preferably the incumbent Woman Leader, Mrs. Ifeanyinwa.

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