PDP elects Kabiru Turaki as new National Chairman

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has chosen former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki (SAN), as its new National Chairman.

Turaki’s victory was sealed at the party’s national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where delegates from 17 states gathered to elect fresh national officers.

Voting took place state by state inside the Lekan Salami Stadium, which hosted thousands of party members on Saturday.

Announcing the results, former Anambra Central senator, Ben Obi, revealed that Turaki secured an overwhelming 1,516 votes, leaving his closest contender, Senator Yakubu Danmarke, far behind with 275 votes. Out of the 1,834 ballots cast, 43 were declared invalid.

“With the numbers before us, it is evident that Timinu Turaki has been duly elected as the National Chairman of our great party,” Obi declared.

The convention also produced Solarin Adekunle as the Deputy National Organising Secretary.

In total, 3,131 delegates were expected at the convention, while 2,745 were accredited for the voting process.

Several governors graced the event, including Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau). However, Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Sim Fubara (Rivers), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba) were notably absent.

Other key figures at the gathering included Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, former Osun State governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, ex-Gombe governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees Adolphus Wabara, and several party stalwarts.