By Emmanuel Kwada
Kabiru Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, has been elected National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with a resounding mandate, pledging to end impunity and return the party to the Nigerian people.
Turaki polled 1,516 votes to defeat his closest rival, Senator Yakubu Danmarke, who garnered 275 votes, in a keenly contested election at the PDP national convention held at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, on Saturday.
Announcing the results, Senator Ben Obi, a former lawmaker representing Anambra Central, said a total of 1,834 votes were cast, with 43 declared void. Of the 3,131 expected delegates, 2,745 were accredited.
“It is therefore clear from the votes cast that Kabiru Turaki has won the position of National Chairman of the PDP with a total of 1,516 votes,” Obi declared.
In a separate contest, Solarin Adekunle emerged as Deputy National Organising Secretary.
‘We Are Returning the Party to You’
In his acceptance speech, Turaki assured party faithful that the confidence reposed in him would not be betrayed.
“Today, as I talk to you, the only political party that has retained its name is the Peoples Democratic Party,” he said. “This has been possible because this is the party for the Nigerian people. Make no mistake about it; we are returning the party to you, the people. There will be no more impunity.”
The new chairman vowed to listen to Nigerians and deliver what they want, while prioritising reconciliation.
“We will appeal to those who have left to come back because the task ahead of us is saving Nigerian democracy, saving Nigeria from the precipice,” he added.
Turaki promised that the PDP would soon unveil its guiding principles and “hit the ground running.”
The convention drew delegates from 17 states and was attended by several governors, including Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau).
Also present were acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, former Osun Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, ex-Gombe Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, and Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara.
The event proceeded despite ongoing legal challenges questioning its legitimacy and internal divisions that recently led to the expulsion of high-profile members, including Nyesom Wike, Ayo Fayose, and Samuel Anyanwu.
A native of Kebbi State, the 54-year-old Turaki graduated with a Bachelor of Law from the University of Jos and was called to the bar after studies at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos. He brings over 25 years of post-qualification legal experience.
He contested the Kebbi governorship in 2011 and was appointed Minister of Special Duties by former President Goodluck Jonathan in February 2013.
Party stakeholders described Turaki’s emergence as a turning point in the PDP’s efforts to rebuild unity and reclaim national relevance ahead of future elections.
