Following his emergence as the new Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the National Convention in Ibadan, Kabiru Turaki has promised to meet the high expectations of both party faithful and the Nigerian populace.
Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, won with a decisive 1,516 votes in the election, which saw delegates from 17 states cast their ballots at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
Sen. Ben Obi, who supervised the process, announced that Senator Yakubu Danmarke placed second with 275 votes.
In his acceptance address, Turaki recognized the immense nature of the task ahead but confidently affirmed the new leadership’s capacity to succeed.
“The cross you have given us means that you watch us also take it to the Nigerian people, and that we shall do. We are not under any illusion that the task placed on us is a simple one.
“Our party is at a crossroads now, but we are up to the task; we are up to the challenge,” Turaki said.
“Very soon, we shall be rolling out what our guiding principles will be and the modus operandi for achieving them. When we do that, we shall be hitting the ground running from day one.”
Turaki assured members and supporters of the party that the confidence they have reposed in him would not be taken for granted, promising to faithfully discharge the mandate given to him.
He said: “Today, as I talk to you, the only political party that has retained its name is the Peoples Democratic Party. This has been possible because this is the party of the Nigerian people. Make no mistake about it; we are returning the party to you, the people. There will be no more impunity.”
The convention, which drew over 3,000 delegates from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, commenced on November 15 and ran into the early hours of November 16.
Meanwhile, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has formally distanced himself from the expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He also dissociated himself from the expulsion of a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, the national secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, and other leaders of the PDP.
The party unanimously voted to expel them for anti-party activities and fostering disunity with series of litigation against the interests of the party.
In a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, the governor explained that the issue was neither discussed by the PDP Governors’ Forum nor the National Executive Committee (NEC) before the motion was presented.
He stated that the proposal did not reflect his position on the matter.
Governor Mutfwang further noted that expelling the party leaders at this crucial time was not a strategic step toward resolving the internal challenges currently confronting the PDP.
He said there was a need for unity, dialogue, and collective effort in rebuilding and repositioning the party.
Mutfwang is the second governor to dissociated himself from the expulsion of the PDP leaders at the national convention in Oyo.
The Plateau governor’s comment came shortly after his Adamawa State counterpart, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri, distanced himself from the expulsion of the former Rivers Gov , Fayose, and nine others.
In the same vein, Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has dissociated himself from the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to expel the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, from the party.
Fintiri, who is also the Chairman of the PDP 2025 Elective National Convention, noted that the decision was not in the best interest of the party.
He said he would not be party to any attempt that could further plunge the PDP into unending crisis.
“As a faithful party member, my position is clear: I stand for the peace and stability of the PDP, and I will not support anything that could lead to its disintegration.
“I believe that peace and reconciliation are the only ways forward for our great party,” the governor was quoted as saying.
Fintiri urged all stakeholders to work towards healing the divisions within the party and to strive for unity and cohesion.
He stated that as a party man, he remained committed to supporting efforts that promote peace, stability, and progress within the PDP.
The governor reiterated that his position was guided by the desire for peace and reconciliation and will continue to work towards achieving this goal.
The national convention, which is currently being held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, has delegates from 17 states across the country in attendance.
A chieftain of the PDP, Bode George, moved the motion for the expulsion of 11 key members, citing what he described as activities inconsistent with the party’s collective interest as reasons for the move.
The chairman of the PDP in Bauchi State quickly seconded the motion.
The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Muhammed, put the vote forward for members to adopt and ratify the expulsion of those involved, and it was unanimously accepted.
Also present at the convention are Gov. Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Gov. Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Gov. Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Gov. Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) and the PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum.
Others are the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro; a former governor of Osun, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, his Gombe counterpart, Sen. Ibrahim Dankwambo; and the Board of Trustees chairman, Sen. Adolphus Wabara; and a chieftain of the party, among others.
Leave a comment