The new national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kabiru Turaki, has opened his tenure with a pledge to return power to Nigerians and rebuild the party’s internal culture. His message came during his acceptance speech at the close of the PDP National Convention in Ibadan on Sunday, where he declared an end to impunity within the party and promised a stronger commitment to the will of members and voters.
Key highlights from his remarks include his insistence that the party’s revival must reflect transparency and fairness, his assertion that PDP remains the only major party that has kept its original identity since inception, and his assurance that aggrieved members will be engaged through a structured reconciliation process. Turaki said the party stands at a turning point and must work as a collective to regain public trust.
He reminded members that any pursuit of equity must begin with clean hands and noted that the leadership is fully aware of the challenges ahead. He said new operational guidelines would be released soon to clarify the direction of the party and strengthen internal systems.
The new chairman urged the judiciary to uphold consistency in its decisions, warning that any drift could raise doubts about the future of Nigerian democracy. He appealed for restraint and reminded the courts of their central role in protecting democratic order.
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Shortly after the inauguration, the new National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, echoed Turaki’s message, describing the current moment as one of reconciliation and renewal. He said the PDP aims to rebuild from its legacy foundation and maintain its long-standing emphasis on consensus, collective responsibility and justice. He warned that a weak opposition creates space for authoritarian tendencies and argued that a stable democracy depends on a credible counterweight to the ruling party.
Ememobong addressed questions on the expulsion of certain party figures, explaining that the decision was reached by the convention based on established records of misconduct. He also noted that many Nigerians have lost confidence in elections, which has encouraged excessive litigation.
The convention produced Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as national chairman, Hamza Koshe as deputy chairman for the North and Daniel Ambrose Woyengikuro for the South. Other positions filled include national secretary, financial officers, organising officials and youth and women leaders, forming a full National Working Committee intended to drive the party’s next phase.
The PDP leadership now faces the task of redefining its message and rebuilding grassroots confidence as it attempts to reposition itself ahead of coming political contests.
