Tanimu Turaki, a former minister of special duties and inter-governmental affairs, on Monday submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms for the position of national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that he is not afraid of any aspirant.
His close confidant and north-west political stakeholder, Umar Sani, announced the submission of the form while addressing journalists in Abuja at the party’s national secretariat shortly after Turaki’s team submitted the forms.
Sani described Turaki as the ideal candidate to lead the PDP at this crucial time, noting that he had completed all the necessary requirements for the contest.
“We are here this afternoon to submit our completed expression of interest forms, the screening form meant to itemise things for screening, and the nomination form. Today is the final day for submission, and Turaki has fulfilled all righteousness,” Sani said.
He also addressed reports that a former Jigawa governor, Sule Lamido, was unable to obtain the nomination form earlier in the day.
“Today is not a day for selling forms. Today is a day for submission of forms. So, if Lamido went to Wadata Plaza looking for forms, he went on the wrong day,” he clarified.
Sani maintained that Turaki’s team followed due process in the purchase and submission of the forms, adding that the PDP had the constitutional authority to regulate its internal affairs.
“How we got the form is immaterial. We have gotten the form, and we are contesting,” he said.
On the controversy surrounding the micro-zoning of the chairmanship to the north-west and the alleged endorsement of Turaki as a consensus candidate, Sani said the process followed due consultation.
According to him, northern stakeholders held a meeting where governors and other leaders resolved to back Turaki as their preferred choice.
“The governors went, held a brief meeting, and came back to say they have selected Turaki as the consensus candidate. Nobody objected at the meeting,” he stated.
Sani dismissed claims that Turaki feared other aspirants, describing the former minister as a long-standing and loyal PDP member.
“Turaki has been in this party for a very long time. He has never aspired to become a House of Reps member, a senator, or a governor — only that he aspired to become president,” he said.
He added that Turaki remained neutral in intra-party blocs and would bring integrity and experience to the leadership.
“He is neither with Wike nor the governors’ forum. He is an independent-minded person, and we hope that he will bring his wealth of experience to strengthen the party,” Sani said.
On reconciliation efforts, he revealed that Turaki had spoken with Lamido by telephone on Saturday, describing him as a “senior brother” and reiterating Turaki’s commitment to peace and unity within the PDP.
