Nigeria TV Info 
Lamido, Turaki, Makarfi Emerge Frontrunners in PDP National Chairman Race Ahead of Convention

As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for its much-anticipated national convention, three prominent figures—former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido, former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki, and ex-Kaduna State governor Ahmed Makarfi—have emerged as the leading contenders for the party’s national chairmanship.

Party insiders revealed that consultations among stakeholders intensified in the past week as the PDP seeks a unifying leader capable of rebuilding internal cohesion and repositioning the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Lamido is seen as a strong northern mobiliser with deep political experience; Turaki enjoys backing from several state chapters; while Makarfi, who once served as PDP caretaker chairman, is praised for his administrative stability and bridge-building skills.

Sources within the National Executive Committee (NEC) disclosed that the convention committee has been working to ensure a transparent process as the party attempts to avoid the factional crises that plagued previous elections.

Party elders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and governors from the PDP-controlled states, are reportedly in talks to achieve consensus on the next national chairman before the convention date is announced.