The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has entered a new phase of leadership as Kabiru Turaki, former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, was officially elected national chairman during the party’s national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Turaki’s emergence followed weeks of internal consultations across northern blocs and a strong consensus that positioned him as the preferred candidate for the top seat. With no major contender challenging his bid, the convention produced a smooth and decisive outcome.
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A Consensus Backed by Delegates
Turaki secured 1,516 votes, affirming broad support from delegates nationwide. His path was further cleared after Lado Danmarke, the PDP’s 2023 governorship candidate in Katsina State, stepped down from the race earlier in the day.
Interestingly, despite withdrawing, Danmarke still received 275 votes, showing that he maintained a level of grassroots loyalty among some delegates.
Other Positions and Outcomes
The convention also delivered results for several other party offices:
- Solarin Sunday Adekunle was elected Deputy National Organising Secretary with 633 votes.
- The offices of Youth Leader and Deputy National Legal Adviser were stepped down for further consultations.
- Seventeen additional positions were unopposed and automatically returned elected, maintaining party stability in the build-up to 2026 political activities.
Why Turaki Was the Preferred Choice
In August, the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) zoned its presidential ticket to the South. In line with tradition, zoning the national chairmanship to the North became the next step.
By October, key North-West stakeholders rallied behind Turaki as their consensus choice, ending weeks of speculation about who would lead the party into upcoming national elections.
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Among those present during the endorsement meetings were:
- Governor Bala Mohammed (Bauchi)
- Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau)
- Governor Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa)
- Governor Dauda Lawal (Zamfara)
- Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum
- Former Senate President Bukola Saraki
- Jerry Gana, former Minister of Information
- Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro
- Ex-Education Minister Ibrahim Shekarau
Their collective support provided Turaki with a powerful backing structure even before delegates cast their votes.
What Turaki’s Leadership Means for PDP
Turaki now takes charge at a critical period for the PDP as the party works to reposition itself, rebuild internal unity, and prepare for upcoming national and state elections. His leadership is expected to focus on:
- Strengthening internal cohesion
- Mobilizing grassroots structures
- Rebuilding the party’s national appeal
- Preparing strategic pathways ahead of the 2027 election cycle
With his election secured and the leadership slate mostly settled, the PDP sets its eyes on the future with renewed confidence.
