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PDP Leaders Lobby for David Mark and Ahmed Makarfi as Next National Chairman

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Key players in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have started lobbying for former President of the Senate, David Mark, and former governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi, to emerge as the next national chairman of the party, following the zoning committee's decision to allocate the position to the North. The PDP governors' forum has endorsed the decision, but the position of the presidency still remains uncertain. Meanwhile, an emergency meeting of the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) has been scheduled for Thursday to ratify the zoning committee's report and discuss other key issues.

Key Takeaways:

  • The zoning committee, headed by Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has allocated the position of national chairman to the North, paving the way for former President of the Senate David Mark and former governor of Kaduna State Ahmed Makarfi to emerge as contenders.
  • PDP governors have endorsed the decision, but the party leaders may throw the race open to all zones due to the uncertain position of the presidency.
  • Mark enjoys the backing of Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and PDP governors who see him as a stabiliser and a personality with widespread acceptability.
  • Makarfi, who briefly led the party, enjoys the support of key political leaders from the 'core' North and may be willing to heed the call to succeed Prince Uche Secondus as national chairman.
  • The PDP NEC meeting scheduled for Thursday will ratify the zoning committee's report and discuss other key issues, including the budget of the National Convention Organising Committee and the amendment to the party's constitution.

Statistics:

  • The PDP NEC meeting will be attended by 279 members of the National Convention Organising Committee, led by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
  • 2-Ekiti State, led by Ayo Fayose, and Oyo State, led by Eyitayo Jegede, are among the Southern zones that were initially being considered for the position of national chairman.
  • Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola was being promoted by his supporters, but his campaign posters at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja have not yet been ratified.

Sources:

  • Daily Trust on Sunday
  • Daily Trust on Sunday
  • Notice from the PDP National Secretary, Senator Umaru Ibrahim Tsauri

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