Turaki Becomes New PDP Chairman, Pledges Major Reforms and End to Impunity
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has elected former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki, as its new National Chairman, with the new leader promising sweeping reforms to restore internal democracy and strengthen party unity.
OTN News further reports that, Turaki, who was elected on Saturday during the PDP national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, delivered a passionate acceptance speech in which he acknowledged the enormous responsibility placed on his shoulders and vowed to lead with transparency and accountability.
“The cross you have given us means that you watch us also take it to the Nigerian people, and that we shall do,” Turaki told party delegates.
“We are not under any illusion that the task placed on us is a simple one. Our party is at a crossroads now, but we are up to the task; we are up to the challenge.” he added.
Furthermore, Turaki revealed that the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) would soon unveil a detailed operational blueprint outlining its guiding principles and strategic focus for rebuilding the party.
“Very soon, we shall be rolling out what our guiding principles will be and the modus operandi for achieving them. When we do that, we shall be hitting the ground running from day one,” he said.
He pledged to return the party to its founding ideals, promising an end to impunity and reaffirming the PDP’s identity as a party rooted in the will of the Nigerian people.
“Today, as I talk to you, the only political party that has retained its name is the Peoples Democratic Party. This has been possible because this is the party of the Nigerian people. Make no mistake about it; we are returning the party to you, the people. There will be no more impunity,” he declared to cheering delegates.
Turaki clinched the chairmanship position with a decisive 1,516 votes at the convention, which drew delegates from 17 states. Senator Yakubu Danmarke came second with 275 votes.
Announcing the results, former Anambra Central Senator and chairman of the convention electoral committee, Ben Obi, also confirmed that former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Taofeek Arapaja, was elected as the party’s new National Secretary.
OTN News, however, observes that, with Turaki’s emergence, party faithful and political observers now await the reform agenda he has promised—an agenda expected to reshape the PDP as it positions itself for future national elections.
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