Newly elected National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki, has pledged to eliminate internal impunity and rebuild discipline within the party as it begins a new phase of restructuring ahead of coming electoral cycles.
Turaki secured 1,516 votes on Saturday during the PDP national convention at Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan, emerging as the new leader after years marked by factional disputes, defections and prolonged leadership instability that weakened the opposition’s influence.
In his acceptance address, Turaki acknowledged the enormous responsibility placed on the new National Working Committee (NWC), emphasizing that their mandate must translate into meaningful engagement with Nigerians.
According to him, “The burden you have placed on us requires that you also watch us carry it to the Nigerian people — and we will.”
He announced that the new leadership will unveil its operating framework and strategic direction soon, stressing that the PDP stands at a “critical crossroads” but remains committed to the demanding task ahead.
“We are not deceived into thinking that the assignment before us is easy,” Turaki said. “In the coming days, we will release our guiding principles and operational roadmap. Once that is done, we will begin work immediately.”
Turaki also highlighted the party’s resilience since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, noting that the PDP remains the only major political party that has preserved its original name and identity.
“This endurance is because the PDP is the party of the Nigerian people,” he stated. “Make no mistake — we are returning this party to you. Impunity will no longer be tolerated.”