Former Kaduna State governor, Ahmed Makarfi, has resigned as Secretary of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting the party must uphold its zoning principles to preserve internal fairness and balance.
Makarfi’s resignation followed the election of Kabiru Turaki, former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, as the new national chairman during the PDP’s national convention on Saturday. Both men hail from the North-West, a development Makarfi said contradicts the party’s long-standing zoning formula.
In a letter addressed to BoT Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, on Monday, Makarfi recalled that he had earlier resigned two months ago but stayed on at Wabara’s request until the convention produced a new chairman.
“The principal reason for my resignation then and now is my belief that the national chairman of the party and the secretary should not come from the same geopolitical zone,” he wrote.
“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 stressed that remaining in office could create an “impression of imbalance” within the PDP’s leadership structure.
Makarfi formally resigned with effect from November 17, 2025, thanking Wabara and fellow board members for what he described as a harmonious working relationship.
“I truly appreciate the respectful relationship between us during my period as secretary. I also appreciate all board members for their support and the good relationship that prevailed,” he said.
