The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has elected former Minister of Special Duties, Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as its new National Chairman. His emergence came during the party’s 2025 National Elective Convention held on Saturday night at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.
Turaki, a former governor of Sokoto State, clinched the top position with 1,834 votes, securing a decisive mandate from accredited delegates. A total of 275 out of the 2,745 accredited ballots were voided.
At the convention, delegates from five suspended states—Rivers, Abia, Imo, Plateau, and Enugu—did not participate. Their suspension followed a motion moved by the host governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, citing ongoing party-related issues in the affected states.
Meanwhile, former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, returned unopposed as National Secretary, alongside most other candidates for various party offices.
One of the few contested positions was the Deputy National Organising Secretary, where Solarin Sunday Adekunle emerged victorious with 633 votes, defeating Adelabu Malomo (507 votes) and Olabiyiwa Ogundipe (417 votes) out of a total of 1,577 votes cast.
Turaki Promises Reforms, Reconciliation
In his acceptance speech, Turaki acknowledged the challenges confronting the party but expressed confidence in the PDP’s resilience and capacity for renewal. He thanked the delegates for the trust reposed in the new National Working Committee (NWC) and pledged to work tirelessly to reposition the party.
He lauded the PDP for maintaining its identity—its name, motto, and character—since inception, describing it as evidence of the party’s deep connection with the Nigerian people.
Turaki announced that the new leadership would soon unveil guiding principles and strategic models to drive the party toward its goals.
Extending an olive branch, he called on aggrieved members and those who left the PDP to return, stressing that the party needs all hands on deck to rebuild and safeguard Nigeria’s democratic future.
Turaki also appealed to the judiciary to uphold the constitution and adhere to the doctrine of stare decisis, warning against undue interference in strictly political matters.