Kabiru Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Minister of Special Duties, has been elected National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after a closely monitored and highly competitive national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Turaki’s emergence marks a defining moment for the PDP as it intensifies efforts to rebuild its internal structure, restore unity among members, and reassert itself as a formidable opposition force in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The convention, hosted at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, drew accredited delegates from 17 states who participated in what party officials have hailed as one of the most transparent electoral processes in the party’s recent history.
Announcing the results, Senator Ben Obi revealed that Turaki secured a commanding victory with 1,516 votes, defeating his closest rival, Senator Yakubu Danmarke, who polled 275 votes. A total of 1,834 ballots were cast, while 43 were declared invalid.
Obi further explained that only two national offices were contested during the exercise. In addition to Turaki’s victory, Solarin Adekunle clinched the position of Deputy National Organising Secretary.
Out of 3,131 delegates present at the venue, 2,745 were accredited for voting — a turnout the party says reflects renewed enthusiasm within its ranks.
In his acceptance speech, Turaki described his victory as “a trust that must be honoured with integrity and renewed commitment,” assuring members that he would run an inclusive leadership that upholds 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 vowed to reconcile aggrieved and estranged party members, stressing that unity is crucial at a time Nigerians are seeking credible political 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,” he added.
Turaki, 54, hails from Kebbi State and is widely regarded as a seasoned legal mind with more than 25 years of experience. A graduate of the University of Jos and the Nigerian Law School, he contested the Kebbi State governorship in 2011 before being appointed Minister of Special Duties by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013.
Turaki’s emergence is generating renewed confidence among supporters who see his tenure as an opportunity to revitalise the party and redefine its role in national politics.
With expectations rising and momentum building, many believe Turaki’s leadership may mark the beginning of a new chapter for the PDP, one driven by unity, reform, and renewed political relevance.
