Former Kaduna State governor Ahmed Makarfi has resigned as Secretary of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing internal party zoning rules and recent leadership changes. In a letter dated November 17, 2025, addressed to BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, Makarfi expressed concern that having both key BoT positions from the same geopolitical zone could undermine the party’s internal balance.
Makarfi revealed that he first tendered his resignation two months earlier through the BoT WhatsApp group but was persuaded to stay until after the PDP national convention. He emphasised that his decision now is driven by his long-held principle: the National Chairman and BoT Secretary should not hail from the same region. With the election of Kabiru Turaki, also from the North-West, as PDP National Chairman, Makarfi said it was essential to “give him full space to do the needful” and avoid any perception of imbalance.
He formally declared his resignation effective November 17, thanking Wabara and other board members for their “very respectful” working relationship.
Makarfi’s exit comes amid escalating factional tensions within the PDP. A major crisis point arose when a faction loyal to Nyesom Wike, acting through the BoT, announced the dissolution of Wabara’s BoT. This group installed Senator Mao Ohuabunwa as the new Chairman and Isah Dansidi as Secretary.
The Wike-aligned faction accused the previous BoT leadership, including Makarfi, of losing their “moral authority” and political neutrality, arguing that their public positioning rendered them unfit to serve as the PDP’s moral compass. At a meeting to swear in the new BoT, the faction emphasised a return to core principles, including equity, internal democracy, and respect for court rulings.
Makarfi’s resignation could recalibrate the power dynamics within the PDP at a critical moment. His departure reflects both a symbolic and practical attempt to reinforce the PDP’s zoning arrangements, an issue that has long defined internal party negotiations and leadership balance.
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