In a principled move that underscores the fragility of internal party politics, Ahmed Makarfi, former governor of Kaduna State, has resigned as Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Board of Trustees (BoT). The announcement came on Monday, November 17, 2025, following the election of Kabiru Turaki, a former minister of special duties and intergovernmental affairs, as the party’s national chairman.
Resignation Rooted in Zoning Principle
Makarfi’s resignation is grounded in the PDP’s zoning arrangement, a longstanding principle meant to balance power across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. In his resignation letter addressed to Senator Adolphus Wabara, the BoT Chairman, Makarfi explained that he could not continue in office now that the new chairman, Turaki, also hails from the North-West, his own zone.
“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,” Makarfi wrote.
He emphasized that stepping down was necessary to give the newly elected chairman “full space to do the needful” and to avoid creating “an impression of imbalance” within the PDP leadership structure.
A Deliberate Decision
Interestingly, Makarfi had attempted to resign two months earlier, but was persuaded by Wabara to remain in office until after the national convention that elected the new chairman.
“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. Mr. Chairman, you personally urged me to stay on until after a convention that produced a chairman,” Makarfi noted in his letter.
This highlights Makarfi’s consistency and commitment to the party’s zoning principle, as he opted to resign only when the situation fully warranted it.
Acknowledgment of Service
Makarfi, who governed Kaduna State from 1999 to 2007, expressed gratitude to Wabara and fellow BoT members for what he described as a cordial and respectful working relationship during his tenure.
“I truly appreciate the very respectful relationship between us during my period as secretary. I also appreciate all board members for their support and the good relationship that prevailed during my period as secretary,” he said.
Implications for PDP Leadership
Makarfi’s resignation throws the PDP’s internal dynamics into sharp relief, especially as the party grapples with factional tensions and debates over leadership legitimacy. His decision is a reminder of the sensitive balancing act that zoning seeks to maintain and the potential consequences when those unwritten rules are perceived to be breached.
By stepping down, Makarfi avoids a scenario where the BoT leadership could be viewed as regionally skewed, while also leaving space for Turaki to consolidate authority as national chairman. It also sets a precedent for how zoning principles may influence future party leadership decisions.
Conclusion
Ahmed Makarfi’s principled exit from the PDP BoT underscores the delicate interplay between party rules, regional considerations, and leadership ethics. While the PDP continues to navigate factional divisions and internal reforms, Makarfi’s resignation serves as a poignant reminder that politics in our clime, sometimes stepping aside is as significant as stepping up.
