New Era for PDP? Turaki Emerges Chairman, Vows End to Impunity in Party Ranks

A former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki (SAN), has been elected as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He emerged at the party’s national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where delegates from 17 states across the country cast their votes to choose new national officers.

The convention, which drew over 3,000 delegates from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, commenced on November 15 and ran into the early hours of November 16 at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan. Party members and stakeholders described the exercise as a crucial step in repositioning the PDP ahead of future electoral contests.

Announcing the results, a former lawmaker representing Anambra Central at the National Assembly, Senator Ben Obi, declared that Turaki scored 1,516 votes to defeat his closest rival, Senator Yakubu Danmarke, who polled 275 votes. Obi further disclosed that a total of 1,834 votes were cast, out of which 43 were voided, confirming Turaki as the clear winner of the contest.

Convention Turnout, Voting Figures and Key Party Stakeholders

According to figures released by party officials, 3,131 delegates were listed to participate in the convention, while 2,745 delegates were accredited for the exercise. Out of these, 1,834 votes were eventually cast in the election for the position of National Chairman. Senator Ben Obi noted that the margin of victory underscored Turaki’s broad acceptance among party delegates and stakeholders.

Obi stated, “It is therefore clear from the votes cast that Timinu Turaki has won the position of the National Chairman of the PDP with a total of 1,516 votes.” He also announced that Solarin Adekunle emerged as the Deputy National Organising Secretary of the party, adding that other national offices were similarly filled as voting progressed through the night.

The convention witnessed the presence of several serving and former top office holders of the party. Governors in attendance included Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State. Notably absent were Governors Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba. Also present were the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro; former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Gombe State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo; and the Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, among other chieftains.

‘We’re Up To The Task’: Turaki’s Message to Party and Nigerians

In his acceptance speech, Turaki expressed gratitude to the delegates for the confidence reposed in him and the new leadership. He acknowledged the enormity of the responsibility but maintained that the new team is prepared to reposition the party. “The cross you have given us means that you watch us also 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. Our party is at a crossroads now, but we are up to the task; we are up to the challenge.”

Turaki assured PDP members and supporters that the mandate given to him would be discharged faithfully. He revealed that the new leadership would soon unveil its guiding principles and operational strategies. “Very soon, we shall be rolling out what our guiding principles will be and the modus operandi for achieving them. When we do that, we shall be hitting the ground running from day one,” he stated, signalling a commitment to swift and decisive action.

He further described the PDP as “the party of the Nigerian people,” stressing its continuity and resilience in the country’s political space. “Today, as I talk to you, the only political party that has retained its name is the Peoples Democratic Party. This has been possible because this is the party of the Nigerian people. Make no mistake about it; we are returning the party to you, the people. There will be no more impunity,” Turaki declared, drawing applause from delegates across different geopolitical zones.

Repositioning the PDP and the Road Ahead

Turaki’s emergence comes at a time many stakeholders believe the PDP must redefine its internal processes and reconnect with the electorate. By pledging to end impunity and return the party to its members, the new chairman positioned himself as the face of reforms aimed at strengthening internal democracy, transparency, and accountability within the party.

The convention in Ibadan also served as a forum for leaders to review past setbacks and chart a new course. With over 3,000 delegates reportedly participating in one form or another and 2,745 accredited for voting, the event signalled the party’s determination to rebuild structures, reconcile differences, and project unity ahead of future elections. Turaki’s promise to “hit the ground running” suggests that key reforms, consultations, and policy directions may be announced in the coming days.

For many observers, the success of Turaki’s leadership will depend on his ability to manage competing interests, strengthen party cohesion, and present the PDP as a credible alternative in Nigeria’s democratic landscape. His emphasis on guiding principles and structured operations indicates a focus on institutional reform rather than ad hoc political manoeuvring.