In a significant political development, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, has been elected as the new national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), immediately pledging to restore power to the Nigerian people and strengthen the country's democratic institutions.
A New Dawn for PDP and Nigerian Democracy
The swearing-in ceremony took place on 17 November 2025 in Ibadan, marking the conclusion of the party's Elective Convention. During his acceptance speech, Turaki made bold promises to transform both the party and Nigeria's political landscape.
Turaki declared an end to what he described as political impunity and the suppression of Nigerians' will, stating emphatically that "no more monkey dey work, baboon dey chop." He elaborated this popular Nigerian proverb by adding that "if baboon wants to chop, baboon must be seated to work," emphasizing that henceforth, political benefits must be earned through hard work and commitment.
Judiciary Called to Uphold Democratic Principles
The new PDP chairman delivered a powerful message to Nigeria's judiciary, urging them to maintain the principle of stare decisis and abide by Supreme Court decisions. He cautioned judicial officers against actions that might be perceived as contributing to the truncation of Nigerian democracy.
"We appeal to the judiciary not to willingly or unwillingly put yourselves in a situation where, rightly or wrongly, it may be assumed, correctly or incorrectly, that you are part and parcel of the process to truncate Nigerian democracy," Turaki stated during his address.
He underscored the critical importance of fairness, transparency, and justice in the political process, quoting the legal maxim that "he who comes to equity must come with clean hands."
Rebuilding and Reconciliation Agenda
Speaking to journalists after the inauguration, the party's new National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, echoed the chairman's vision, describing the new leadership as "a rebirth, like raising a new building from an old foundation."
Ememobong emphasized that the PDP under Turaki would focus on reconciliation while building on the party's legacy of strength, consensus, collectivity, fairness, and justice. He stressed that the party's mission extends beyond partisan interests to what benefits Nigeria as a whole.
The new leadership acknowledged the party's current challenges, describing the PDP as being at a crossroads, but expressed confidence in their ability to navigate these difficulties successfully. Turaki promised that the party would soon announce its guiding principles and operational methods for effective functioning.
Addressing internal party conflicts, the leadership assured aggrieved members that reconciliation processes would begin promptly through amicable means. However, when questioned about the expulsion of prominent figures like Nyesom Wike and Ayo Fayose, Ememobong clarified that these decisions were made by the convention based on documented wrongdoings against the party.
The PDP leadership also commented on the broader democratic challenges in Nigeria, noting that many citizens have lost faith in the electoral process, leading to what they described as the "judicialisation of elections." Ememobong warned that without a vibrant opposition, elections could lead to authoritarianism rather than democratic consolidation.
Turaki concluded by highlighting the PDP's enduring brand identity, noting that unlike other political parties that started with it, the PDP has maintained its original name, motto, and logo, making it a recognized political brand throughout Nigeria.
