Kabiru Tanimu Turaki Elected PDP National Chairman at Ibadan Convention

At the historic 2025 National Convention of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) held at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Ibadan, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), a former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, was elected as the new National Chairman of the party. This landmark decision followed the stepping down of his main opponent, Senator Yakubu Lado, paving the way for a clear victory for Turaki.

The convention—tagged #Ibadan2025—attracted over 3,000 delegates from across Nigeria, including governors, members of the National Executive Committee, and Board of Trustees members. The event marks a significant turning point for the PDP amid ongoing internal party disputes and legal challenges that almost disrupted the process.

The election results revealed that out of 1,834 votes cast, with 43 votes declared void, Turaki secured a commanding 1,516 votes, while Senator Lado garnered 275 votes. Turaki, aged 68, is an accomplished legal practitioner and politician with a distinguished career, including his tenure as Minister of Special Duties between 2013 and 2015. He called on all party members to “bury the hatchet” and work collaboratively towards the PDP’s overall success as it gears up for the 2027 general elections.

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The Ibadan convention also saw the election of other key officials, including Solarin Adekunle as the Deputy National Organising Secretary and Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja as the National Secretary, signaling a rejuvenated leadership team ready to steer the party forward.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the host of the convention, described the event as a historic moment that would be remembered as a major turning point in the party’s journey. Despite factions and controversies, the gathering in Ibadan showcased the PDP’s resilience and commitment to unity and political renewal.

This new leadership under Turaki faces the critical task of uniting the party and positioning it effectively for Nigeria’s future political landscape.

This convention follows months of preparation and endorsements, including backing by Northern PDP stakeholders who had earlier endorsed Turaki as their consensus candidate for the chairman position, emphasizing a broad base of support within the party.

The Ibadan-based convention provided a fitting backdrop with its world-class facilities and rich political history, evoking memories of the PDP’s seminal 1998 Jos convention that marked its rise as a dominant political force in Nigeria.

Kabiru Tanimu Turaki’s election signals a fresh chapter for the PDP as the party navigates challenges and prepares to contest future elections with renewed vigor and strategic focus. His leadership is expected to inspire cohesion and strategic planning aimed at reclaiming political ground in Nigeria’s complex electoral environment.