Kabiru Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Minister of Special Duties, has secured the top seat of the Peoples Democratic Party, emerging as National Chairman after a tightly monitored convention in Ibadan.
His victory marks a pivotal moment for the opposition party as it attempts to rebuild its internal structure and reconnect with its base.
The convention, held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, brought together accredited delegates from 17 states who participated in what party officials described as one of the most transparent elective processes in recent years.
According to Senator Ben Obi, who supervised the announcement of results, Turaki polled 1,516 votes, while his challenger, Senator Yakubu Danmarke, scored 275.
Obi noted that 1,834 ballots were cast, with 43 declared invalid.
Moreover, he explained that only two national offices were contested during the exercise, adding that Solarin Adekunle clinched the position of Deputy National Organising Secretary.
Out of 3,131 delegates present at the venue, 2,745 were accredited to vote.
During his acceptance speech, Turaki told enthusiastic party members that the mandate handed to him was “a trust that must be honoured with integrity and renewed commitment.”
He vowed to work with every segment of the PDP, promising an inclusive leadership style that respects internal democracy.
“Our members deserve a party that listens and responds to their needs,” he said.
“The PDP belongs to the people, and from this moment, we intend to rebuild a culture where the voice of every member truly matters.”
He further pledged to reunite estranged party members, saying the opposition cannot afford fragmentation at a time when Nigerians are demanding alternatives.
“We will extend our hands to those who left. The country is at a crossroads, and the task before us is rescuing Nigeria’s democracy and restoring national direction.”
Turaki, 54, hails from Kebbi State and has built a reputation as a seasoned lawyer with more than 25 years of legal experience.
A graduate of the University of Jos and the Nigerian Law School, he previously contested for the governorship of Kebbi State in 2011 before being appointed Minister of Special Duties by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013.
Party insiders say the PDP’s new leadership is expected to unveil its strategic blueprint in the coming days.
Furthermore, Turaki’s emergence is already sparking renewed confidence among supporters hoping for a revitalised opposition ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The momentum around his victory hints at a party preparing to reposition itself, with expectations rising that Turaki’s tenure will shape the PDP’s next chapter.
Post a Comment
Drop Your Comment In The Box Below