- The coming days will determine whether the convention marks a true reset
- Turaki expressed gratitude to the delegates and stressed the urgent need to mend internal fractures
- His victory was declared in the early hours of Sunday, following prolonged collation supervised by party officials
A new leadership chapter has opened in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, emerged as National Chairman after a heated and highly contentious national convention in Ibadan.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the gathering, which brought together delegates from all states and the Federal Capital Territory, was overshadowed by disputes over zoning arrangements, accreditation delays, and accusations of last-minute scheming among opposing factions.
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Despite the intense infighting, Turaki — a former Minister of Special Duties — clinched the chairmanship with a comfortable margin.
His victory was declared in the early hours of Sunday following prolonged collation supervised by party officials, observers and agents of the contestants.
In his acceptance remarks, Turaki expressed gratitude to the delegates and stressed the urgent need to mend internal fractures. He pledged to rebuild confidence among members and reposition the PDP as a stronger opposition force ahead of future general elections.
Party chieftains, including governors and former members of the National Working Committee, appealed to those dissatisfied with the outcome to set aside their grievances and cooperate with the new leadership.
Meanwhile, some contenders have openly rejected the results, citing alleged irregularities and vowing to seek redress through the party’s internal conflict-resolution structures.
The Ibadan convention is widely seen as a defining moment for the PDP, which has grappled with deep divisions for years. The event also sparked further tensions, with several party elders obtaining court injunctions in attempts to halt the exercise over concerns about fairness, particularly regarding the chairmanship slot.
The convention ended with the suspension of several prominent figures, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, and former National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, among others — a development that has further widened internal cracks.
With Turaki now at the helm, attention shifts to how quickly he can unite the competing blocs and steer the party toward stability. The coming days will determine whether the convention marks a true reset or deepens existing rifts within the PDP.
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