A former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), has formally submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms to contest for the position of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
His close ally and North-West political associate, Mr. Umar Sani, disclosed this to reporters on Monday in Abuja shortly after Turaki’s forms were received at the PDP National Secretariat.
Sani described Turaki as the right candidate to lead the party, citing his experience, loyalty, and record of service.
“We are here to submit the completed expression of interest, nomination, and screening forms. Today is the deadline for submission, and all documents have been duly received and acknowledged,” Sani said.
He explained that the process complied with the PDP’s timetable and clarified that the day was strictly for the submission of forms, not for purchase.
“Anyone who went to Wadata Plaza to buy forms today simply missed the schedule.
”The party had fixed different days for the sale and submission of forms,” he said.
Sani added that Turaki’s camp followed all due procedures and that the PDP, as an independent body, reserved the right to manage its internal affairs.
“The Supreme Court has made it clear that political parties have autonomy over their internal processes.
” What matters is that we obtained the forms through legitimate means and followed the laid-down rules,” he noted.
On reports that Turaki had been endorsed as a consensus candidate by northern leaders, Sani confirmed that the decision followed consultations among governors and stakeholders from the region.
“After the meeting, the governors returned with the resolution that Turaki should be the consensus candidate, and there was no objection from anyone present,” he explained.
He dismissed suggestions that Turaki feared other contenders, saying the former minister had long been a loyal and principled member of the PDP.
“Turaki has been in this party from the beginning. He has never contested for any lower elective position, not as governor, senator, or House of Representatives member.
‘:He only once sought the presidential ticket,” he said.
Sani described Turaki as an independent-minded leader who could bridge divisions within the party.
“He is not aligned with any faction or governors’ camp. He’s neutral, experienced, and focused on uniting the PDP,” he added.
Sani also revealed that Turaki had reached out to fellow aspirant and former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, describing him as a “senior brother” and assuring that there was no animosity between them.
The PDP’s national convention is scheduled to take place on Nov. 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
