Former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi, has stepped down as secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, insisting the party must uphold its zoning formula to preserve internal equity.
His resignation followed the emergence of Kabiru Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, as the party’s new national chairman during Saturday’s convention.
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Both men hail from the North-West, a development Makarfi said runs contrary to the PDP’s long-standing zoning arrangement.
In a letter addressed to BoT chairman Adolphus Wabara, dated November 17, Makarfi recalled that he had earlier attempted to resign two months ago but was urged to remain until after the convention. He maintained that his reason for leaving had not changed.
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“The principal reason for my resignation then and now was, and is still, my belief that the national chairman of the party and the secretary should not come from the same geopolitical zone,” he stated. “Now that a chairman has emerged from the North-West, where I come from, it is necessary to give him full space to do the needful.”
He added that his decision was necessary to prevent any impression of imbalance within the party’s leadership structure.
Appreciation to Board Members
Makarfi thanked Wabara and fellow BoT members for what he described as a cordial and supportive working relationship throughout his tenure as secretary. He noted that the board had provided him with a “harmonious environment” and expressed gratitude for the cooperation he enjoyed while in office.
Makarfi, who served as Kaduna State governor between 1999 and 2007, said stepping aside was the right step to ensure stability and fairness in the party’s leadership arrangements as it navigates its internal challenges.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
