LunagisthubPDP Crisis Deepens: Turaki Elected National Chairman Amid Factional Dispute
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is embroiled in a crisis following the election of Kabiru Turaki as the party’s new National Chairman. Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, was elected by PDP delegates at a convention in Ibadan, Oyo State
The convention, which was attended by delegates from 17 states, saw Turaki emerge as the sole candidate after his opponent, Lado Danmarke, withdrew from the race. However, the opposition faction led by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has rejected the outcome, citing alleged irregularities
The Wike-led faction announced the expulsion of several key party members, including Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Bala Muhammed (Bauchi), over alleged anti-party activities and disobedience to court orders. The expulsion was swiftly followed by a violent clash between the two factions at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja
A week after the convention, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to recognize the Turaki-led PDP leadership. INEC’s website still lists Damagun as the PDP’s National Chairman and Anyanwu as National Secretary. The commission’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, declined to comment on the commission’s absence at the convention or the recognition of the new PDP leadership
The PDP crisis has sparked concerns about the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections. Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State have distanced themselves from the expulsion of Wike and other party leaders. The party’s leadership crisis has also sparked speculation about potential defections, with Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas announcing his intention to join the All Progressives Congress (APC)
As the PDP navigates this internal crisis, the question on everyone’s mind is: what does the future hold for the party?
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