Key points

• PDP halts aspirant screening weeks before convention.

• Lamido vows legal action over denied nomination form.

• Lawmakers threaten defection over alleged APC ties.

The Peoples Democratic Party has suspended the screening of aspirants for its 2025 National Convention, causing confusion among members and raising fresh concerns about the party’s readiness.

The exercise, scheduled for Tuesday, was called off due to what officials described as “unforeseen circumstances.”

The decision came less than a month before the Ibadan convention, which many party members see as crucial to rebuilding unity before the 2027 elections.

Ahmadu Fintiri, chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee and governor of Adamawa State, confirmed the suspension in a statement. He said a new date would be announced later.

“The committee regrets the delay and appeals for understanding among aspirants and members,” Fintiri said.

“We remain committed to a transparent and credible process that will lead to a successful convention.”

Lamido angry after being denied access to nomination form

Former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido has expressed anger after he was unable to obtain the nomination form to contest for national chairman.

Lamido visited the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Monday but said he found the offices locked.

He added that party officials claimed to have no information about the availability of the forms.

“I went to the office of the National Organising Secretary and found it locked,” Lamido said.

“When I met the secretary of the party, Senator Anyanwu, both of them said they had no idea where the forms were or how they were printed.”

He accused the party leadership of trying to sideline him. According to him, the process has been hijacked by the National Convention Organising Committee, which now handles the sale of forms from Adamawa instead of Abuja.

Lamido described the move as a breach of internal procedures and warned that he might go to court if prevented from contesting.

“If I don’t get the form, I’ll go to court. Simple,” he said.

Still, Lamido said he believed the issue could be resolved internally. He urged the PDP to restore fairness and internal democracy before the 2027 elections.

“I’m an optimist,” he said. “Our opponents are outside the PDP. We can only win if we put our house in order.”

Turaki submits forms as tension builds

While Lamido struggled to get his form, former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Turaki successfully submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the same position on Monday.

Turaki, who is said to have the backing of several senior party figures, submitted the documents at the National Convention Organising Committee office in Abuja. He arrived with a team of loyal supporters and political allies.

Lawmakers threaten defection over alleged APC influence

More than 20 federal lawmakers elected on the PDP platform have threatened to dump the party over alleged interference by politicians linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

They accused the leadership of secretly issuing a nomination form to a woman reportedly nominated by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, who they claimed has close ties with the APC.

In a statement signed by their spokesperson, Ikenga Ugochinyere, the lawmakers warned that they would leave the party if the nominee was not disqualified.

“It’s shameful that some PDP governors are backing this plot instead of standing firm against infiltration,” the lawmakers said.

“We won’t remain in a party that hands key positions to those loyal to the APC.”

They alleged that the move was part of a broader plan by pro-APC elements to weaken the PDP ahead of 2027.

Uncertain road to Ibadan convention

The Ibadan convention, set for November 15–16, was meant to unite the PDP and elect new national officers. Instead, it has exposed deep divisions among governors, lawmakers, and top leaders.

With Lamido threatening legal action, lawmakers warning of defection, and the screening process stalled, the PDP now faces a serious test of unity before the next general election.