The newly elected National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Kabiru Turaki, has pledged to restore internal democracy, respect for members’ choices, and end the culture of impunity within the party.
Turaki, who gave the assurance in his acceptance speech at the 2025 national convention in Ibadan, said the party was at a turning point but would emerge stronger under the new leadership. He defeated Garuba Lado with 1,516 votes to 41, although the convention itself remains a subject of legal dispute and was not monitored by INEC.
He promised that the new executives would immediately begin reaching out to aggrieved stakeholders, urging them to return so the party could “save Nigeria’s democracy from collapse.”
South-West PDP Praises Makinde
The South-West PDP hailed Governor Seyi Makinde for his role in stabilising the party, describing him as the “Biblical Moses” who helped rescue the PDP from forces trying to cripple it.
Zonal Publicity Secretary, Sanya Atofarati, said the successful convention renewed public confidence in the PDP, especially as Nigerians continue to reject the ruling APC.
Why Governors Opposed Wike’s Expulsion
Fresh revelations show that Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri distanced themselves from the expulsion of Nyesom Wike, Ayo Fayose, Samuel Anyanwu, and others.
Both governors reportedly complained that there was no consultation, no Governors’ Forum meeting, and no input from recognised party organs before the motion was introduced.
Mutfwang said such drastic disciplinary actions could not stand without due process, while Fintiri described the move as unhealthy and potentially damaging to the party’s already fragile cohesion.
Sources also claimed that the expulsion motion was “smuggled in” by a faction aligned with Governor Makinde, bypassing ongoing reconciliation efforts.
Olawepo-Hashim: PDP Must Unite to Save Nigeria’s Democracy
Former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim urged the party to embrace full reconciliation, warning that PDP’s fragmentation threatens Nigeria’s democratic stability.
He recalled that the founding of the PDP 27 years ago was one of Nigeria’s greatest political achievements—bringing together 13 political groups under a broad, inclusive vision.
He argued that exclusion, court battles, and factionalism now threaten those foundational ideals, urging leaders to embrace one guiding principle: “We must not leave anyone behind.”
Amadi: Convention Fully Legal
Dr. Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, said the convention was legally valid because the most recent court order before the event allowed it to proceed.
He criticised INEC for failing in its regulatory role and faulted the judiciary for issuing conflicting ex parte orders that worsened political tensions.
Amadi insisted that the PDP’s current Board of Trustees remains the legitimate one, having functioned for over three years. He also called for due process in disciplinary matters but questioned the loyalty of members allegedly working with rival parties.
