PDP's Moment of Truth in Historic Ibadan
The Peoples Democratic Party stands at a critical crossroads as it prepares to gather in Ibadan, Oyo State, for its national convention on November 15 and 16, 2025. This gathering represents much more than routine party business—it is a decisive test that could determine whether Nigeria's oldest surviving political party can overcome internal divisions and reposition itself as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Leadership Stability and Renewed Hope
For the first time since the turbulent aftermath of the 2023 general elections, the PDP appears genuinely positioned for reconciliation and institutional rebirth. The recognition of Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum by the Independent National Electoral Commission as the party's substantive national chairman has provided temporary calm and legal clarity to an organization previously plagued by leadership uncertainty.
The upcoming convention in Ibadan will see delegates elect a new National Working Committee expected to steer the party toward recovery. At the center of this hopeful expectation stands Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, a respected figure in Nigeria's political, legal, and intellectual circles who is projected to emerge as the new national chairman.
Historical Significance of Ibadan Venue
The choice of Ibadan for this crucial convention carries deep symbolic weight. The city represents the cradle of Nigerian political history, where Western Region's early democratic ideals were nurtured. Holding the convention there rekindles the historical spirit of service, vision, and sacrifice that defined Nigeria's political awakening.
The PDP, which once proudly called itself "Africa's largest political party," has seen its fortunes decline dramatically since losing power at the center in 2015. Internal squabbles, factionalism, and personality clashes have weakened its coherence and public appeal over the past decade.
Kabiru Tanimu Turaki: The Unifying Force
Kabiru Tanimu Turaki brings a unique combination of legal precision and political diplomacy that the PDP desperately needs during this delicate phase. Born in the ancient town of Nasarawa in Kebbi State, Turaki rose from humble beginnings to become one of Nigeria's most respected legal minds.
His credentials are impressive: University of Jos law graduate, called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986, founder of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki & Co. law firm, and elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. In public service, he served as Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs under President Goodluck Jonathan and chaired the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North.
Those who have worked with Turaki describe him as a consultative yet firm leader who listens more than he speaks, but whose words command respect when he does. His calm temperament, inclusive mindset, and bridge-building capacity make him ideally suited to harmonize the party's structure and restore confidence among members.
Rebuilding Trust and Combating Sabotage
One of the major crises haunting the PDP since 2015 has been trust deficiency—between governors and national leadership, between old members and defectors, and between regional blocs. The new NWC emerging from Ibadan under Turaki's guidance is expected to rebuild this broken trust.
However, the greatest danger to the PDP today is not external opposition but internal subversion. The convention must mark a clear break from the era of dual loyalty, where some members publicly profess allegiance while secretly colluding with the ruling APC to undermine the party's progress.
The incoming NWC should not hesitate to wield the big stick where necessary, sanctioning those who connive with external forces to sabotage the party's collective interests. True loyalty must be measured by contribution to the party's growth and commitment to its ideals, not empty rhetoric.
Road to 2027: Credible Opposition and National Relevance
Under Turaki's leadership, the PDP is expected to project a more credible and issue-based opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress. His approach to opposition politics emphasizes constructive engagement—challenging the government on policy, governance, and economy while offering viable alternatives.
The party needs to professionalize its operations, strengthen internal democracy, and rebuild its digital and grassroots mobilization structures. Turaki's legal background will help ensure strict adherence to the party constitution and Electoral Act, preventing the type of legal missteps that previously cost the party victories.
As Nigeria inches toward the 2027 general elections, the PDP's recovery will depend on three key pillars: unity, credibility, and competence—all qualities that Kabiru Tanimu Turaki embodies. His leadership can help the party focus on real national issues including the economy, security, unemployment, and national integration.
Symbolic Renewal in Political Heartland
Delegates converging on Ibadan must approach their task with patriotic conviction, seeing it not merely as party business but as national duty. The PDP must use this convention to send a strong message that it is back, united, and ready to reclaim its position as the conscience of Nigeria's democracy.
The renewal the PDP seeks must go beyond leadership change and reflect in its ideology, communication, and engagement with ordinary Nigerians—farmers, teachers, traders, youths, and women who bear the brunt of economic hardship.
Insiders reveal that the proposed NWC under Turaki will include a fair blend of technocrats, young professionals, and tested politicians—a balance that could finally merge experience with modern political strategy. This is exactly what the PDP needs to restore public confidence.
As the curtain rises on the Ibadan 2025 convention, optimism fills the air. The PDP, though battered by years of internal discord, is far from defeated. The emergence of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as national chairman offers the right leadership at the right time. If the party gets it right in Ibadan, it will not only reclaim lost confidence but stand once again as a beautiful bride of Nigerian democracy, poised to challenge for power and offer the nation a credible path to renewal in 2027.
