In a significant political intervention, former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), has broken his prolonged silence on the internal crisis rocking Nigeria's main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The elder statesman issued a direct charge to the party's newly elected National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, SAN, outlining a clear path for revival ahead of the crucial 2027 general elections.
A Crucial Meeting in Minna
The pivotal advice was delivered on December 1, 2025, when Turaki, accompanied by select members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), paid a courtesy visit to Babangida's famed Hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State. The meeting, which sources described as focused and candid, merged a planned appreciation visit with a condolence call following the recent wave of abductions troubling the state.
Turaki stated that the delegation sought guidance from experienced leaders who understand Nigeria's complex political evolution. In response, Babangida commended the PDP leadership for showing solidarity with Niger State during a difficult period and acknowledged the party's enduring nationwide presence, describing it as the most deeply rooted political organisation in the country.
Babangida's Prescription for PDP's Recovery
Drawing from his vast experience in political engineering, Babangida presented a multi-point recovery plan for the beleaguered opposition. His central message was a firm directive to rebuild the party, correct its past mistakes, and reposition it as a stabilising force in national politics.
He recalled his own attempt during military rule to institutionalise a two-party system, a move that faced resistance, underscoring the importance of strong, institutionalised party structures. Babangida illustrated this point with an anecdote about a military administrator he once appointed in Niger State, emphasising that robust structures are foundational to political success.
"While you spoke earlier, you admitted that the party made mistakes and has already set machinery in motion to correct them. I urge you to use tact, seek people’s opinions, and work towards building a peaceful and progressive party. You have the capacity to do it, and I wish you well," Babangida told Turaki.
His specific advice to the new chairman included:
- Prioritising unity and consultation within the party's ranks.
- Adopting tact and inclusive leadership in the rebuilding process.
- Strengthening the party's structures across all states nationwide.
- Rebuilding trust among members and stabilising the party's internal framework.
Turaki's Response and the Road to 2027
In his response, Kabiru Turaki expressed deep appreciation for Babangida's guidance and goodwill. He assured the former Head of State that the current PDP leadership is fully committed to a comprehensive reset of the party. This reset involves strengthening its internal organs and, most critically, restoring its winning spirit in preparation for the electoral battles leading to 2027.
The visit concluded with a vote of thanks presented by former Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, who praised Babangida for his consistent statesmanship and moral support to the PDP.
This intervention comes amid persistent warnings from political analysts that the PDP must urgently resolve its internal fractures if it hopes to present a credible challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next national polls. The message from Minna is clear: the time for rebuilding and unification is now, and the party's future relevance may hinge on heeding this seasoned advice.
