IBB to PDP Chair: Rebuild Your House Before 2027 Battle

 

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), has charged the new factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki, to embark on a total rebuilding of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Babangida gave the advice when Turaki, accompanied by select members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), visited him at his Hilltop Mansion in Minna, Niger State.

During the closed-door session, discussions reportedly focused on party reorganisation, the state of the nation, and the need to strengthen political structures across the federation.

The former leader commended the delegation for identifying with the people of Niger State during what he described as one of the most challenging periods for the state. He reaffirmed the PDP’s nationwide presence, noting that political parties remain central to Nigeria’s political consciousness.

Recalling his attempt to institutionalise a two-party system during the military era, Babangida said political actors resisted the move because of Nigeria’s strong attachment to party structures.

He shared an anecdote of a military administrator he once appointed in Niger State who met a resident claiming loyalty to the then-President Shehu Shagari and the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN), oblivious of the military takeover. The encounter, he said, reflected how political parties root themselves deeply in communities.

Babangida urged Turaki to deploy tact, broad consultations and inclusive leadership as he begins the task of repositioning the PDP.

“You admitted earlier that the party made mistakes and has set machinery in motion to correct them. I urge you to apply tact, seek people’s opinions and work towards building a peaceful and progressive party. You have the capacity to do it, and I wish you well,” he said.

Responding, Turaki expressed gratitude for the elder statesman’s consistent guidance, saying the party would continue to draw from his wealth of experience and understanding of Nigeria’s political history.

He reiterated the PDP’s resolve to reset its structures and restore its competitive strength before 2027.

Turaki added that the delegation had planned an appreciation visit to the former president, but recent security incidents in Niger State necessitated a combined courtesy and condolence visit.