Who is Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki? Inside the Life of PDP’s new Chairman

Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, is a distinguished Nigerian lawyer, seasoned statesman, and a prominent figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

A former federal minister under President Goodluck Jonathan, he remains one of the party’s most influential northern leaders, renowned for his loyalty, experience, and strategic contributions to national politics.

In late October 2025, PDP Northern stakeholders met in Abuja and unanimously endorsed him as their consensus candidate for National Chairman.

The decision, reached after weeks of consultations, reflected the party’s desire for unity, stability, and strong leadership ahead of its national convention.

Birth

Born on April 3, 1957, in the Nassarawa area of Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki hails from a respected family rooted in scholarship and public service. He is the son of Alhaji Tanimu and Hajiya Amina.

Education

His early education combined both Islamic and Western learning. He attended Qur’anic school, where he studied Islamic knowledge and memorised portions of the Qur’an, while he began formal schooling at Nassarawa Primary School, Birnin Kebbi.

His leadership qualities emerged early, as he served as Deputy Head Boy and School Timekeeper.

After primary school, he attended the prestigious Barewa College, Zaria, where he again demonstrated notable leadership as Deputy House Captain of Suleiman Barau House and President of the Young Farmers Club.

He later proceeded to the State College of Arts and Science (SCAS), Sokoto, for his IJMB programme before gaining admission into the University of Jos to study Law.

He graduated with an LL.B (Hons.) in 1985 and proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, where he was called to the Bar in 1986.

Turaki continued to expand his professional knowledge through several specialised trainings, including an Arbitration Fellowship with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, North America Branch in 2009, and studies in Islamic Economics, Investment and Financing Techniques at the Islamic Finance Institute of Southern Africa in 2010.

He also trained in Islamic Investment Structuring the same year. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Iheris University, Togo, a Pan-European bilingual institution.

In 2002, he made history as the first indigenous lawyer from Kebbi State and the entire former North-Western States to be elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Professional and Legal Career

Dr. Turaki boasts over 25 years of post-qualification experience and has built a formidable reputation in constitutional law, commercial arbitration, election petitions, international criminal law, intellectual property, and oil and gas law.

Following his NYSC programme with the Directorate of Foods, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI), he began his legal career at Alhaji Tijjani Abdullahi & Co. in 1987.

In 1989, he founded K.T. Turaki & Co., Solicitors and Advocates, where he has remained in active legal practice.

He has appeared before virtually all levels of courts in Nigeria, including Magistrate and Customary Courts, High Courts, the National Industrial Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.

He has also handled matters before specialised tribunals such as the Election Petition Tribunals, the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, the Miscellaneous Offences Tribunal, and the Failed Banks Tribunal.

Turaki has served on several influential committees and panels, including the Kano State Law Reporting Committee (1999), the Kano State Legislative Review Committee (2000), and the committee that reviewed the Northern States Penal Code.

He was a delegate to the National Political Reform Conference in 2004 and later contributed to national development through roles on the Council of Legal Education, the Ministerial Committee on Police Reforms, and the Body of Benchers Committee on the Review of Laws Governing Legal Practice in Nigeria.

He was appointed a Notary Public by the Chief Justice of Nigeria in 2002. Over the years, he has also served on the boards of various companies across oil and gas, investments, publishing, insurance, and asset management.

Political Career

Kabiru Tanimu Turaki is widely respected for his contributions to governance and national politics.

He took the oath of office as Minister of the Federal Republic on February 4, 2013, and assumed duties as Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs on February 6, 2013.

Between 2014 and 2015, he also served as Supervising Minister of Labour and Productivity.

As Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North, he played a significant role in early efforts to tackle national insecurity.

Earlier in his political journey, he contested the governorship election in Kebbi State in 2011.

In 2018, he emerged as a presidential aspirant for the 2019 elections. He later became the Deputy Director-General (North) of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, further strengthening his influence within the party.

Recent Activities and Influence

As of 2025, Turaki serves as Chairman of the PDP Former Ministers’ Forum, where he actively supports reconciliation efforts, internal restructuring, and broad-based strategic planning within the party.

He chaired the Electoral Panel for the PDP Congress in Niger State and has been deeply involved in preparations for the PDP’s 2025 national convention.

His endorsement as the consensus choice for National Chairman in October 2025 underlines his continued relevance and the confidence party stakeholders place in his leadership.

Personal Life

Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki is married and blessed with children and grandchildren. Proudly Hausa, he hails from Kebbi State in Nigeria’s North-West.

Known for his humility and integrity, he is deeply admired for his commitment to justice, nation-building, and community service.

Recognitions and Traditional Titles

He holds several professional and traditional distinctions, including FCIArb, FABS, FCIDA, FPIN, FIICA, HCILRM, Dan Masanin Gwandu, and Zarumman Kabbi.

These honours reflect his significant contributions to law, governance, and community leadership.

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