…Pledges rebirth of Party
Former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SaN), has been elected National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), after a dramatic and tightly contested national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The convention, which began on Saturday November 15 and stretched into the early hours of today, November 16 at the Lekan Salami Stadium, drew over 3,000 delegates from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT).
Turaki secured a decisive victory with 1,516 votes, defeating Senator Yakubu Ɗanmarke, who garnered 275 votes, according to results announced by Senator Ben Obi, who supervised the election. His triumph followed days of intense lobbying, with several northern PDP leaders publicly backing his candidacy.
Though widely expected to win, Turaki’s emergence was not without resistance. Some state chapters—particularly the Kebbi faction—expressed discontent over internal disagreements surrounding his bid. Despite this, the majority of delegates pushed forward, resolving lingering tensions and handing him the party’s top job.
In his acceptance speech, Turaki acknowledged the weight of the responsibility before him, describing the PDP as “a party at a crossroads,” but assured members and supporters that the new leadership is ready to rebuild and reposition the party.
“The cross you have given us means that you watch us take it to the Nigerian people, and that we shall do,” he said. “We are not under any illusion that the task placed on us is a simple one. But we are up to the task; we are up to the challenge.”
He vowed to end impunity within the party and return its structure to the grassroots. “Make no mistake about it: we are returning the party to you, the people. There will be no more impunity”, Turaki declared, adding that the PDP remains the only major Nigerian political party that has retained its identity since inception.
Turaki, who earlier fulfilled all nomination formalities ahead of the race, is now expected to outline guiding principles and operational strategies “from day one” as he steps into one of the most demanding leadership roles in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Delegates from 17 states arrived earlier to participate in the crucial vote to choose new national officers as the party positions itself for a pivotal political season.
