Breaking: Ex-Minister Turaki Takes the Helm as PDP’s New National Chairman

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) concluded its 2025 elective National Convention in Ibadan by electing former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki, as its new National Chairman.

Turaki secured a substantial victory, receiving 1,516 delegate votes against his nearest challenger, Sen. Lado, who managed 275 votes, reports Persecondnews.

This wide margin reflects strong, broad-based support for Turaki across the party’s national structure, with delegates describing his ascension as a unifying development for the PDP.

Also elected is Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja from Oyo state as National Secretary, among others at the convention.

Despite the successful leadership transition, the convention was overshadowed by significant internal disciplinary action.

Just hours before the election, the PDP expelled prominent figures like former Rivers Gov. Nyesom Wike, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and former Ekiti Gov. Ayodele Fayose, among others, citing alleged anti-party activities.

The mass expulsion has triggered sharp disagreements within the PDP, polarizing members between those urging immediate reconciliation and those endorsing the decisive move to enforce party discipline.

The convention, which spanned the late hours of November 15 into the early morning of November 16, served as a pivotal step toward PDP unity and renewal ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The proceedings, attended by over 3,000 delegates from across the federation, unfolded with remarkable efficiency and enthusiasm.

The party’s commitment to internal democratic principles was underscored by the transparent voting mechanism, guided by Sen. Ben Obi, who oversaw the electoral processes.

Furthermore, in a related move to ensure a fully transparent outcome, the PDP dissolved its ward, local government, and state-level structures in five states: Imo, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Abia, and Rivers.

The high point of the event was the near-unanimous confirmation of Turaki as the new National Chairman.

His ascension to the top post was solidified following the withdrawal of rival aspirant, Sen. Yakubu Lado, positioning Turaki as the consensus candidate mandated to lead the party into its crucial phase of resurgence as the 2027 elections draw closer.