Turaki Leads PDP Leaders on Strategic Visit to Obasanjo in Abeokuta

A factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, has led a high-powered delegation of party leaders on a courtesy visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his Abeokuta residence in Ogun State. The visit, which took place on Saturday, is widely viewed as part of ongoing consultations by the opposition party amid internal realignments and preparations ahead of future electoral contests.

The meeting, held behind closed doors at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library complex, comes at a time when the PDP is grappling with internal divisions and recent defections of prominent members. While initial details of the engagement were not immediately disclosed, party leaders later described the visit as a strategic step aimed at drawing guidance from one of the party’s most influential elder statesmen.

High-Level Delegation and Closed-Door Engagement

Members of the delegation included former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, PDP Deputy National Chairman Taofeek Arapaja, former Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, Ambassador Folake Marcus-Bello, and other senior party figures. The team was received by the Ogun State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Abayomi Tella, alongside other state executives, before proceeding to the meeting with Obasanjo.

The closed-door discussion reportedly lasted about 40 minutes, underscoring the seriousness of the engagement. Although the content of the meeting was not made public, its timing has drawn attention given the broader political climate within the PDP and the country’s opposition space.

Observers note that such consultations with respected party elders have historically played a role in shaping internal reforms and electoral strategies within the PDP, particularly during periods of transition.

Turaki Explains Purpose of the Visit

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Turaki said the visit was undertaken by the newly elected factional leadership of the PDP to seek Obasanjo’s guidance, support, and blessings as they prepare for the task ahead. He described the former president as an experienced statesman whose role in building democratic institutions remains significant.

According to Turaki, the leadership considered it necessary to consult Obasanjo, given his experience as a former PDP president and his longstanding influence in national politics. He noted that the party was determined to reposition itself and address the challenges confronting it.

Turaki further stated that the discussions with Obasanjo were frank and encouraging, adding that the leadership left the meeting with renewed confidence about the future of the party and its capacity to play a stronger role in Nigeria’s democratic process.

PDP Leaders Signal Renewed Mobilisation

Other party leaders present at the visit, including Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara and National Secretary Taofeek Arapaja, used the occasion to urge PDP members nationwide to remain united and committed to rebuilding the party. They emphasised the need for grassroots mobilisation and internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ogun State PDP Chairman Abayomi Tella described the visit as a morale booster for party members in the state, noting that it was the first official visit by the new leadership since its emergence in Ibadan. He said the engagement had rekindled hope among members and signalled a new phase for the party.

Tella also stressed the importance of peaceful and credible elections, calling on stakeholders to ensure that future polls reflect the will of the people without intimidation or undue interference.