KABIRU Turaki has emerged as the new National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a keenly watched elective national convention held on Saturday in Ibadan, Oyo State.
News Point Nigeria reports that Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, won by a landslide and immediately assured Nigerians that the party’s leadership is ready to confront its challenges head-on.
The convention, held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, brought together more than 3,000 delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Delegates from 17 states participated directly in voting for the national leadership positions.
Turaki polled 1,516 votes, defeating Senator Yakubu Danmarke, who came a distant second with 275 votes. Senator Ben Obi, who chaired the election committee, announced the results in the early hours of Sunday after the voting exercise spilled into the night.
In his acceptance speech, Turaki acknowledged the weight of responsibility placed on him but expressed confidence that the new leadership team is fully prepared to rebuild the PDP and reposition it as a credible national opposition.
“The cross you have given us means that you expect us to take our responsibilities seriously and deliver to the Nigerian people—and that we shall do,” he said.
“We are not under any illusion that the task placed on us is a simple one. Our party is at a crossroads now, but we are up to the task; we are up to the challenge.”
Turaki promised to unveil a comprehensive roadmap for reform, indicating that his leadership would take swift, decisive steps to stabilize internal structures and restore unity.
“Very soon, we shall be rolling out our guiding principles and the modus operandi for achieving them. When we do that, we shall hit the ground running from day one.”
“Today, as I talk to you, the only political party that has retained its original name since inception is the Peoples Democratic Party. This is because this is the party of the Nigerian people,” he said.
“Make no mistake about it: we are returning the party to you, the people. There will be no more impunity.”
Turaki also thanked party members, delegates, and supporters across the country for entrusting him with the mandate, promising not to betray their confidence.
The convention, which began on November 15 and lasted into the early hours of November 16, took place at a time many analysts describe as pivotal for the PDP.