Former Kaduna State governor Ahmed Makarfi has resigned as secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), emphasising that the party must strictly follow its zoning principles to uphold internal fairness.
His resignation came after the election of Kabiru Turaki — a former minister of special duties and intergovernmental affairs — as the PDP’s new national chairman during the party’s convention on Saturday. Turaki, like Makarfi, hails from the north-west.
In a letter addressed to BoT chairman Adolphus Wabara on Monday, Makarfi stated that continuing in his role after Turaki’s appointment would contradict the party’s established zoning arrangement.
“You may recall that about two months ago, I had resigned as secretary of the board and posted the same on the board’s WhatsApp platform,” the letter states.
“Mr Chairman, you may remember that you personally encouraged me to remain until after a convention that would elect a chairman.”
He explained that the reason for his earlier resignation attempt remained unchanged.
“The main reason for my resignation then and now was, and still is, my conviction that the national chairman and the secretary should not come from the same geopolitical zone,” he said.
“Since a chairman has now been elected from the north-west, my region, it is important to allow him full space to carry out his duties.”
Makarfi added that stepping down was necessary to avoid “an impression of imbalance” within the PDP leadership.
“Accordingly, I hereby formally resign as secretary of the board of trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party with effect from today, November 17, 2025,” he declared.
The former governor, who led Kaduna State from 1999 to 2007, expressed appreciation to Wabara and other board members for what he described as a cooperative working relationship.
“I truly value the very respectful relationship we had during my time as secretary,” he said.
“I also thank all board members for their support and the good relations that prevailed throughout my tenure.”
