Shocking Political Snub: Jigawa PDP Says No to Endorsing Tanimu Turaki as National Chairman!
Imagine this: in the high-stakes world of Nigerian politics, where party leadership can make or break a nation's direction, the Jigawa State chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) is raising a red flag over the recent endorsement of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as the uncontested candidate for National Chairman. It's a move that's not just about names on a ballot—it's about fairness, regional balance, and the future of a party that's been a cornerstone of democracy. But here's where it gets controversial: is this endorsement a smart strategic play, or a blatant disregard for grassroots voices? Stick around, because this story dives deep into the drama, and you might find yourself questioning how power is shared in political parties.
The State Chairman of the PDP in Jigawa, Hon. Babandi Ibrahim Gumel, shared his thoughts during a candid interview with journalists on Saturday. He didn't hold back, criticizing the decision as going against the best interests of stakeholders in the North-West region. To help beginners in politics understand, zoning is a common practice in Nigerian parties—it's like dividing leadership roles among different parts of the country to ensure everyone feels represented and to prevent any one area from dominating. In this case, the Northern PDP caucus, which represents the party's northern chapters, had met the previous Monday and agreed that the National Chairman position should be zoned to the North-West. This means they were supposed to rotate the role to that region, giving its leaders a fair shot at the top spot. As a result, they instructed stakeholders in the North-West to come together and propose a strong candidate for the job.
Gumel explained the sequence of events in detail, painting a picture of frustration and missed opportunities. He recounted how, based on that directive, the North-West leaders planned to hold their own meeting on Thursday evening around 8:00 pm, with the Governor of Zamfara State presiding. But—plot twist—the very next day, on Wednesday, the northern caucus jumped the gun and nominated Tanimu Turaki, their preferred pick. To make matters worse, their respected leader, Dr. Sule Lamido, was only informed about the caucus meeting an hour before it started, in the dead of night. That's like inviting someone to a family dinner but texting them the address just as the food hits the table—hardly fair play!
And this is the part most people miss: none of the nominees, including Turaki, had even purchased the required nomination forms to officially express interest in the chairmanship. In party politics, this is a big deal—it's the equivalent of entering a race without signing up at the registration desk. Instead, Gumel highlighted how Dr. Sule Lamido was endorsed by top national PDP chieftains and other influential leaders, who saw him as the ideal person to breathe new life into a party that's been struggling. Lamido, with his deep experience and vision, was presented as the candidate who could wake the PDP from what some describe as a 'slumber'—a period of low energy and poor performance in recent elections. Yet, the Jigawa group feels they were robbed of the chance to fulfill their assigned task, leaving them in a limbo, eagerly awaiting whether their original resolution will be taken into account.
At the heart of this rejection is a deeper worry: Gumel stressed that the PDP needs a leader who can truly revive it and tackle its ongoing challenges. As someone who's been dedicated to the party for 26 years, he knows the ins and outs—like the importance of unity to avoid internal rifts that could weaken them against rivals. "We don't want anything that could destabilize the party," he said, echoing a sentiment that's all too common in long-standing political groups where loyalty runs deep. It's like a family business; you want a capable CEO who can turn things around, not someone who might stir up more trouble.
Looking ahead, the Jigawa PDP chairman vowed to go all out to ensure the right individual takes the helm, one who prioritizes both the party's and the nation's unity and advancement. This isn't just about winning seats; it's about building a stronger democracy where voices from all regions are heard.
But here's the controversial twist: some might argue that the northern caucus acted decisively to pick a leader who aligns with their vision, bypassing what they see as unnecessary delays. Is this a bold step toward efficiency, or an overreach that undermines regional autonomy? What if this sets a precedent for future nominations, where top-down decisions trump bottom-up processes? We invite you to weigh in: Do you think zoning should be sacred in party politics, or is flexibility key to progress? Should parties prioritize consensus over speed? Share your thoughts in the comments below—agree, disagree, or offer your own take. Let's spark a conversation on Nigerian politics!
