Former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki (SAN), has been elected National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the party’s national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Turaki secured 1,516 votes out of 1,834 cast at the Lekan Salami Stadium on Saturday, defeating Senator Yakubu Danmarke, who polled 275. Senator Ben Obi announced the results, noting that 43 ballots were voided. Solarin Adekunle also emerged as Deputy National Organising Secretary.
The convention drew delegates from 17 states, with 2,745 accredited out of 3,131. Governors Bala Muhammed (Bauchi), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) attended, while others including Ademola Adeleke (Osun) and Sim Fubara (Rivers) were absent.
Before voting began, the PDP expelled 11 prominent members, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti governor Ayodele Fayose, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and dissolved party structures in Imo, Abia, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers. The motion, moved by Bode George and seconded by Bauchi PDP chairman, was ratified by delegates.
However, Governors Fintiri and Mutfwang rejected the expulsions, warning they could deepen internal divisions. Fintiri, chair of the PDP 2025 convention, stressed the need for reconciliation, while Mutfwang argued the decision was neither discussed by the PDP Governors’ Forum nor the NEC.
Wike, who supported APC candidate Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, has repeatedly denied engaging in anti-party activities. He insists his stance was based on “equity, fairness, and justice,” and has accused PDP leaders of breaching the party’s constitution.
In his acceptance speech, Turaki pledged to reunite the PDP and restore its credibility. “This is the party for the Nigerian people. We are returning it to you. There will be no more impunity,” he said, promising to listen to Nigerians and bring back members who left.
Turaki, 54, hails from Kebbi State and is a senior lawyer with over 25 years of experience. A former governorship candidate in 2011, he was appointed minister by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013.
