Kabiru Turaki, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed confidence that Nigerians are eager for the opposition party to return to power in 2027.

Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with former governors and ministers affiliated with the party, Turaki described the PDP’s 16-year tenure from 1999 to 2015 as a “glorious era” in Nigeria’s political history.

“Beyond reclaiming this party for Nigerians, who are its true owners, we must engage with men and women whose dedication and service laid the foundation for PDP’s unprecedented back-to-back electoral victories,” Turaki said.

He added that the PDP’s legacy in governance, economic growth, infrastructure development, and institution-building remains visible, even a decade after leaving office.

“And that is why, despite attempts to malign our party, Nigerians still cherish the bond and trust we established during those years,” Turaki said.

Turaki urged party members to adopt new strategies to regain power at both national and state levels, stressing that the PDP’s achievements still set a benchmark for governance in the country.

Speaking on behalf of ex-PDP governors, Babangida Aliyu, former governor of Niger State, accused the federal government of politicising state institutions to suppress opposition voices.

“The poaching of opposition figures and the weaponisation of state institutions signal a drift towards a one-party state,” Aliyu warned.

Ibrahim Shekarau, former governor of Kano and representative of ex-ministers, encouraged party members to remain united and committed to nation-building. “Do not be distracted by noise. You have done more than expected,” he said.

The meeting underscores the PDP’s resolve to consolidate its legacy and chart a path toward regaining power in 2027.