PDP CONVENTION: Turaki Emerges National Chairman, Arapaja National Secretary
•By KAZEEM OYENIYI
IBADAN – THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday elected Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as its new National Chairman and Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja as National Secretary at a well-attended elective national convention held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
The convention, which attracted 2,725 delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, is being widely described as a major step in the opposition party’s renewed push for internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The exercise opened on November 15 and extended into the early hours of November 16, proceeding smoothly and with a level of organisation observers hailed as one of the party’s most coordinated in recent years. Senator Ben Obi, who supervised the electoral process, led delegates through what many described as a transparent, credible, and hitch-free voting procedure—reinforcing the PDP’s claims of deepening internal democracy.
Dr. Turaki emerged almost unopposed after his closest rival, Senator Yakubu Lado, withdrew from the race, clearing the way for Turaki to become the consensus candidate for the party’s highest office. His supporters celebrated the outcome as a new opportunity to rebuild and reposition the PDP to mount a stronger challenge against the ruling party in 2027.
•Wike, Fayose, Anyanwu, Others Expelled
Earlier, the convention took a dramatic turn with the expulsion of several top figures, including the Minister of the FCT and former Rivers State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike; former Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose; and the embattled former National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
Also expelled were the former National Legal Adviser, Mr. Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade (SAN); Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; George Turner; and Hon. Umar Bature.
Former Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Olabode George, who moved the motion for their expulsion, said the affected individuals had engaged in actions allegedly aimed at destabilising the party.
Motions, Amendments and Dissolution of NWC
During the proceedings, Senator Ben Obi, Secretary of the National Convention Organising Committee, moved the motion for the convention to be declared elective—a motion seconded by Mr. Emmanuel Enoidem (SAN).
Governor Seyi Makinde also moved a motion for the ratification of executive committees and structures produced through congresses monitored by INEC and security agencies in states where the processes complied with the party constitution. Imo, Abia, Enugu and Rivers states were exempted. The motion was seconded by Mr. Daniel Obiechina Okechukwu.
The convention further adopted a motion dissolving the outgoing National Working Committee (NWC) and approved amendments to sections of the party constitution.
With the conclusion of the convention, party leaders expressed optimism that the new leadership structure would usher in a more united and strategically positioned PDP ahead of the next general elections.