Makarfi Resigns as PDP Board of Trustees Secretary, Gives Reason

Former Kaduna State governor Ahmed Makarfi has resigned as secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), citing the need for the party to uphold its zoning principles and maintain internal balance.

Makarfi’s resignation comes shortly after Kabiru Turaki, a former minister of special duties and intergovernmental affairs, was elected as the PDP’s national chairman at the party convention on Saturday. Both Turaki and Makarfi hail from the north-west, a factor Makarfi said informed his decision to step down.

In a letter to BoT chairman Adolphus Wabara on Monday, Makarfi explained that remaining in his role would contradict the party’s longstanding zoning formula. He recalled that he had previously attempted to resign two months ago but was persuaded to stay until a new chairman was elected.

“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. “Now that a chairman has emerged from the north-west, it is necessary to give him full space to do the needful.”

Makarfi added that stepping aside was crucial to avoid any perception of imbalance in the party’s leadership. His resignation is effective November 17, 2025.

The former governor, who led Kaduna State from 1999 to 2007, thanked Wabara and fellow board members for their support and a cooperative working environment during his tenure.

“I truly appreciate the very respectful relationship between us during my period as secretary,” he said, expressing gratitude to all board members for their support and collegiality.