The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Jigawa State has reacted to the recent endorsement of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki by the northern caucus of the PDP as the unopposed candidate for the position of National Chairman.

The State Chairman of the party, Hon. Babandi Ibrahim Gumel, made this known in an interview with newsmen on Saturday.

He faulted the decision, describing it as contrary to the interest of North-West stakeholders.

He explained that the Northern PDP caucus, during its meeting last Monday, had resolved that the position of National Chairman should be zoned to the North-West and had consequently directed stakeholders in the zone to present a suitable candidate for the post.

According to him, “Based on this directive, we agreed to hold our meeting on Thursday at about 8:00 pm under the chairmanship of the Zamfara State governor. To our dismay, on Wednesday, those who asked us to go and nominate from North-West went ahead and nominated the candidate of their choice.

“Our leader Dr. Sule Lamido was not notified of the North caucus meeting until an hour before the meeting (in the night).

“And among those nominated, none of them bought a form to show his interest in becoming the chairman of the party.

“Our leader was suggested by chieftains of the party at the national level and other national leaders as the right candidate who can revive the party from its slumber.

“We were denied the opportunity to carry out the task assigned to us, so we are now waiting to see if our resolution will be considered.”

Gumel noted that their main concern is for the PDP to be led by someone capable of reviving it and overcoming its current challenges.

“We have been in the party for the last 26 years; therefore, we do not want anything that can destabilise the party,” he said.

The State Party Chairman further stated that they would do everything possible to ensure that the right person assumes the leadership of PDP for the unity and progress of both the party and the country.