Turaki Emerges PDP Chairman as Ibadan Convention Ends in Dramatic Twist

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday elected former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as its new National Chairman, bringing to a close a tension-filled national convention held at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Turaki, who ran as the sole contender, secured 1,516 votes, after his only challenger and 2023 Katsina governorship candidate, Lado Danmarke, abruptly pulled out of the contest. Despite his withdrawal, Danmarke still polled 275 votes, a development party insiders say reflects simmering discontent within some northern caucuses.

In another major contest, Solarin Sunday Adekunle clinched the position of Deputy National Organising Secretary with 633 votes. Party officials announced that the offices of Youth Leader and Deputy National Legal Adviser were stepped down, while 17 other national positions—unopposed—were returned elected.

The convention was the first major test of the party’s new zoning formula adopted by the National Executive Committee (NEC) in August, which allocated the 2027 presidential ticket to the South and reserved the national chairmanship for the North—a move that cleared the path for Turaki’s emergence.

Turaki enjoyed sweeping support from a powerful bloc of North-West stakeholders who, after a series of meetings in October, endorsed him as their consensus choice. Those present at the consultations included Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum.

Also in attendance were prominent party leaders such as former Senate President Bukola Saraki, elder statesman Jerry Gana, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, and former Minister of Education Ibrahim Shekarau, signalling broad elite backing for Turaki.

A senior lawyer and veteran party strategist, Turaki now faces the task of repositioning the PDP amid internal unrest, defections, and waning national influence. Party sources say immediate priorities will include reconciliation of aggrieved blocs, membership mobilisation, and strategic alliances as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The convention, marked by intense negotiations and late-night horse-trading, is expected to set the tone for a fresh round of political alignment within the opposition party.