The Peoples Democratic Party has elected Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as its new National Chairman following a highly attended national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State. Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, secured a commanding victory with 1,516 delegate votes.
The announcement was made by Senator Ben Obi, who supervised the electoral process. He confirmed that out of the 1,834 total votes cast, 43 were declared void, while Turaki’s only contender, Senator Lado Danmarke, who had earlier withdrawn from the race, still received 275 votes.
A total of 3,131 delegates were recorded at the convention, although 2,745 delegates were officially accredited for voting.
In other results, Solarin Sunday Adekunle emerged as the Deputy National Organising Secretary with 633 votes. The positions of National Youth Leader and Deputy National Legal Adviser were stepped down. Seventeen other party offices were uncontested, and the nominees for those positions were returned elected.
Several key political figures attended the event. Among them were Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau.
Some governors were notably absent. These included Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, and Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba.
Other prominent attendees included the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, former Osun State governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Gombe State governor Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara.
Turaki’s emergence followed earlier unanimous support from influential northern stakeholders who endorsed him as their preferred candidate during a series of strategic meetings ahead of the convention. His election strengthens the PDP’s leadership structure as it prepares for future political contests, particularly the 2027 general elections.
Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is widely regarded as a seasoned legal professional with experience in constitutional matters, public service, and party administration. His leadership is expected to play a crucial role in repositioning the PDP for national relevance.