Turaki takes over PDP mantle of leadership, says plot to end party will fail

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) formally entered a new chapter on Tuesday as its immediate past National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum, handed over the affairs of the party to the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC), led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.

The ceremony, held weeks after the national convention in Ibadan, marked a symbolic transition that both men described as crucial to repositioning the party ahead of future political battles.

In his remarks, Turaki reaffirmed that his leadership is determined to return the PDP to its founding owners, the Nigerian people.

He described the party as the “party to beat” in the country, insisting that its strength is precisely why some forces are determined to weaken or destroy it.

According to him, democracy thrives when political players “live and let others live,” and not when one group attempts to suffocate alternative voices.

Turaki praised Damagum for keeping his word by producing a comprehensive two-volume handover report, which he said will guide the new leadership in understanding the party’s current position and the path ahead.

He pledged that the new NWC would operate on transparency, fairness, and a level playing field, emphasising that there would be no impunity or injustice under his watch.

He called on Damagum and the outgoing executives not to walk away, saying their experience remains invaluable in navigating the party’s next phase.

Damagum, in his response, said the handover was part of the responsibility of every principled leadership.

Though delayed, he noted that it was better late than never.

He acknowledged the numerous challenges facing the PDP but maintained that the party has a history of overcoming adversity because it consistently chooses to do what is right.

According to him, the PDP remains the ruling party’s greatest concern, an indication, he said, that its relevance and influence remain intact.

He urged the new leadership to rely on God, stressing that divine justice always prevails over temporary political manoeuvres. Despite the hurdles placed before the PDP, Damagum expressed confidence that the party will continue to navigate every storm, guided by faith and resilience.

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