Nigeria’s main opposition party has elected Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, as the new National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at its 2025 National Elective Convention.
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The election, held on Saturday night at the main bowl of the Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Ibadan, saw Turaki secure a resounding victory with 1,834 votes out of 2,745 accredited delegates. No fewer than 275 votes were declared void. His victory reflects the party’s determination to move past internal divisions, as delegates from 17 states participated. Delegates from five suspended states, Rivers, Abia, Imo, Plateau, and Enugu, were excluded following a suspension motion moved by Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde, who hosted the convention.
Former Anambra Central Senator Ben Obi announced the results, noting that Senator Yakubu Danmarke came second with 275 votes. In a closely contested race for Deputy National Organising Secretary, Solarin Sunday Adekunle emerged victorious with 633 votes, defeating Adelabu Malomo, who scored 507 votes, and Olabiyiwa Ogundipe, who secured 417 votes, out of 1,577 total votes cast.
Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, former Oyo State Deputy Governor, was returned unopposed as National Secretary, while candidates for several other National Working Committee positions were also affirmed without contest.
Delivering his acceptance speech amid cheers from delegates, Turaki acknowledged the weight of his new responsibility, expressing both humility and resolve. “The cross you have given us means you expect us to carry it to the Nigerian people, and we will,” he said. “We are not under any illusion that the task ahead is simple. Our party is at a crossroads, but we are equal to the challenge.”
Turaki pledged a comprehensive reform agenda focused on restoring internal democracy, strengthening unity, and addressing longstanding grievances. He emphasized that the PDP’s enduring identity, retaining its name, label, motto, and structure since inception, reflects its deep roots in grassroots support and democratic ideals.
“Today, the Peoples Democratic Party remains the only political party that has retained its name since inception. That is because this party belongs to the Nigerian people,” Turaki stated. “Make no mistake, we are returning the party to the people. There will be no more impunity.”
He assured members that the National Working Committee would soon unveil a detailed operational blueprint, including guiding principles and an implementation strategy. “Very soon, we shall be rolling out our guiding principles and the modus operandi for achieving them. Once that is done, we will hit the ground running from day one,” he said.
In a move aimed at healing divisions, Turaki extended an olive branch to aggrieved members and those who have left the party. “In a bid to heal internal wounds, I invite all party members who have been aggrieved or have left the party to return. The party needs everyone’s support to rebuild and save Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.
He also called on the judiciary to uphold constitutional principles and the doctrine of stare decisis, cautioning against involvement in purely political disputes.
The convention comes at a pivotal moment for the PDP, which has grappled with leadership crises, defections, and electoral setbacks in recent years. Turaki’s election is seen as a fresh start, with analysts predicting that his legal background and political experience could help stabilize the party ahead of future elections.
While expressing gratitude to delegates, Turaki reiterated the PDP’s commitment to justifying their trust. “We will work tirelessly to surmount the challenges and highlight the rich history of the PDP,” he concluded, drawing applause from the packed stadium.
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