Kabiru Turaki, the new national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, has vowed to restore discipline within the party and return its focus to the members. Turaki, a former minister of special duties, secured his mandate on Saturday at the party’s national convention held at Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State, winning 1,516 votes.
In his acceptance speech, Turaki acknowledged the enormous responsibility placed on the newly constituted national working committee. He emphasized that the task ahead would be challenging but insisted that the party is ready to rise to the occasion. “The cross you have given us means that you watch us also take it to the Nigerian people, and that we shall do. We are not under any illusion that the task placed on us is simple. Our party is at a crossroads now, but we are up to the task; we are up to the challenge,” he stated.
Turaki revealed that the new executive would soon outline its guiding principles and operational framework, promising immediate action once implemented. “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.
Highlighting the PDP’s unique position in Nigerian politics, Turaki reminded members that the party has maintained its identity since its founding. “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 added.
