Former Kaduna State governor Ahmed Makarfi has formally resigned as secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP Board of Trustees,BoT, stepping down in a move he says is necessary to safeguard the party’s long-established zoning arrangement and ensure a fair distribution of leadership positions across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
His decision comes at a critical moment for the party, which is adjusting to fresh leadership changes following its national convention.
Makarfi’s resignation followed the emergence of Kabiru Turaki, a former minister of special duties and intergovernmental affairs, as the PDP’s new national chairman on Saturday.
Both men are from the north-west, a development Makarfi said contradicts the spirit of the party’s zoning formula.
In his letter to BoT chairman Adolphus Wabara on Monday, he explained that remaining in office would undermine the balance the party seeks to maintain.
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He recalled that he had earlier stepped down two months ago but remained in the role at Wabara’s urging until a new chairman was elected.
He stressed that his initial reason for resigning had not changed, reiterating his belief that the chairman and the BoT secretary should not originate from the same zone.
With Turaki’s election, he said it had become necessary to step aside and give the new party leader full room to function.
Makarfi added that his exit was meant to prevent any perception of inequity within the PDP’s leadership structure. His resignation took effect on November 17, 2025.
The former governor, who served Kaduna State between 1999 and 2007, expressed appreciation to Wabara and fellow board members for what he described as a cordial working atmosphere during his tenure. He thanked them for their collaboration and support throughout his time as secretary.
The Vanguard NewsÂ
