Power must return to the people, says new PDP Chairman Turaki

The newly elected National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki, SAN, has vowed that the party under his leadership will work towards restoring political power to the Nigerian people.

Turaki made the pledge during his acceptance speech following the swearing-in of new party officers at the end of the Elective National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, early Sunday morning, November 16.

Turaki assured members and supporters that the era of impunity and suppression of the people’s will was over, stating that the new leadership would be guided by fairness, transparency and justice.

According to him, the PDP leadership will remain open to listening to the yearnings of its members and align with their aspirations. He added, “No more monkey dey work, baboon dey chop. If baboon wants to chop, baboon must be seated to work.”

He noted that unlike some political parties which have abandoned their original identity, the PDP has retained its name, motto and logo since inception, making it a respected and recognisable brand nationwide.

The chairman acknowledged that the party was at a critical point but expressed confidence in the ability of the new National Working Committee (NWC) to reposition the PDP. He also revealed that the party’s operational roadmap would be unveiled soon, and assured aggrieved members that reconciliation processes would begin promptly and amicably.

Turaki used the occasion to appeal to the judiciary to uphold the doctrine of stare decisis and remain consistent with Supreme Court precedents. He urged judicial officers not to allow themselves to be seen as part of any attempt to undermine democracy.

Speaking after the inauguration, the new National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Comrade Ini Ememobong, echoed Turaki’s message, saying the new phase in the PDP represents reconciliation and rebirth. He noted that the party aims to strengthen Nigerian democracy, stressing that a vibrant opposition is essential to prevent the drift into authoritarianism.

Ememobong also addressed the expulsion of key figures such as Nyesom Wike and Ayodele Fayose, stating that the decision was reached by the convention following a record of activities considered harmful to the party.

He maintained that many Nigerians have lost confidence in the country’s democratic process, leading to increased reliance on the courts to resolve electoral disputes. According to him, the PDP’s mission goes beyond party politics and focuses on advancing what is best for Nigeria.

At the convention, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, emerged as the new Chairman of the NWC. Others elected included Hamza Koshe as Deputy National Chairman (North), Dr. Daniel Ambrose Woyengikuro as Deputy National Chairman (South), and Arapaja Taofeek Gbola-Oladeko as National Secretary.

Other officials elected were Ihediwa Richard Nnabugwu (Deputy National Secretary), Isa Abubakar (National Treasurer), Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel (National Financial Secretary), Hon. Theophilus Daka Snan (National Organising Secretary), Aribisala Adewale Idowu (National Auditor), Baratu Shafi (National Legal Adviser), Ogbu Anthonia Chenyenwa (National Women Leader), and Umar Dan Aji (National Youth Leader).

Also elected into various deputy positions were Solarin Sunday Adekunle, Farida Umar Hamid, Aigbokhavbo Harrison Omagbon, Hamsatu Adamu, Hon. Tina Puna Musa, Usamatu Maharazu, and Elec-Njaka Chikere.

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