Updated: PDP Ibadan convention holds As Turaki Emerges New National Chairman

...Wike, Fayose, Anyanwu, Others Expelled From Party Over Anti-Party Activities 

A tense but determined atmosphere defined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention in Ibadan on Saturday, as delegates, leaders and governors gathered at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, for a convention the party insisted must hold despite internal conflicts, legal disputes and competing court orders.

The convention proceeded in open defiance of two separate court rulings that sought to halt it, with the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee relying on a counter-judgement obtained from the Oyo State High Court to continue with the exercise. 

Delegates and speakers repeatedly referenced the litigation, describing the successful hosting of the event as evidence of the PDP’s resilience and refusal to succumb to pressure.

They maintained that the turnout and outcome underscored the party’s capacity to withstand turbulence and remain united.

Tensions flared early in the day when angry delegates tore down the posters of two absent governors, Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, protesting their refusal to attend what they described as a decisive convention that no senior party leader should shun.

Governors present included Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara) and the host governor, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

The convention also drew prominent PDP figures such as former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, former governors Udom Emmanuel, Babangida Aliyu and Ibrahim Shekarau, among other party stalwarts.

One of the most consequential outcomes of the day was the expulsion of several high-profile members for alleged anti-party activities. 

Those expelled were the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; factional National Chairman, Samuel Anyanwu; former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose; the party’s National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade (SAN); Umar Bature; AbdulRahman Mohammed; Mao Chuambuwa; George Turner; Austin Nwachukwu; Abraham Ammah; and Dan Orbih.

The motion for their expulsion was moved by a founding father of the party, Chief Bode George, and seconded by Governor Bala Mohammed, receiving unanimous approval from the delegates present.

Governor Seyi Makinde, in his address, declared that the Ibadan 2025 convention would be remembered as the turning point for the party.

He said: "I want to welcome everyone to this convention, the resilient members of the PDP. Let me use this opportunity to welcome you to Ibadan, Oyo State."

Reflecting on the path to the convention, he added:

"We have fought a long stretch of battle to get to this point, but here we are. And by the grace of God, this convention will go down as the convention that brought a turn-around to the PDP nationally."

On a lighter note, he encouraged delegates to enjoy the hospitality of the host city, saying: "So, as you go around, don't only politick, you should also use the opportunity to take amala and gbegiri in Ibadan. On that note, on behalf of the people of Oyo State, especially members of the PDP, we welcome you."

Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee and Governor of Adamawa, Umaru Fintiri, said Nigerians were again looking to the PDP for national rescue.

He stated: "Power to the party stands for a party solidly formed on the tenets of courage and democratic ideals to rescue Nigeria. And it must at all times never veer off from the course of our fundamental tenets."

"Nigeria and Nigerians are still looking up to us to play that role that has always been our tradition. Indeed, Nigeria has reset back to the pre-PDP era and is dearly looking up to the PDP to pull its arm."

Fintiri stressed unity, saying: "We must admit that whatever bad that has happened to Nigeria over the past few years has also happened to our party. The soul of the party is still intact because there are men and women who believe in the party's fundamental tenets."

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal Dare, speaking on behalf of the PDP Governors’ Forum, highlighted the united presence of governors.

He said: "As you can see, we are here today as a united front to take this party forward. We are appealing to everyone that is here to give us the maximum support so that we can save the future of Nigeria. I wish us a successful deliberation."

In his goodwill message, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, described the convention as a major victory for the party.

"This party will not die. This gathering is a testament to our resilience, democratic spirit and collective commitment to the ideals of unity, progress and service to the Nigerian people."

He added: "I want to thank the delegates for coming but I can't do that without thanking the host governor, His Excellency Seyi Makinde, for his resilience and for the resources. It is not easy."

Wabara urged the incoming National Working Committee to embrace inclusive leadership, stressing that:."The task ahead requires unity of purpose, boldness, courage, discipline and an unwavering focus on the aspirations of Nigerians, who look to our party for hope and leadership."

Senator Abdul Ningi, representing the PDP Senate Caucus, said the turnout demonstrated that the PDP remained a formidable force.

He declared: "We have come, we have seen and we have conquered. The multitude that we have seen here today means that PDP is not dead, and it cannot die."

Hon. Fred Agbedi, speaking for the PDP caucus in the House of Representatives, assured the delegates of the caucus’s full support while warning against internal sabotage.

He said the caucus would stand "shoulder to shoulder" with the party to reposition it ahead of future elections.

Earlier in the day, the convention ratified Umar Damagum as the substantive National Chairman of the party. 

The motion for his ratification was moved by Hon. Tony Abineri, Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the party and leader of the Forum of State Chairmen. 

It was seconded by Edward Marshal, another senior party figure, in compliance with Section 32 of the PDP Constitution (as amended).

In the climax of the convention, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Kebbi State, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, was finally elected as the new National Chairman of the PDP.

Convention Secretary, Senator Ben Obi, who announced the result, stated that Turaki secured 1,516 votes to clinch the position.

Also elected was Mr. Solarin Adekunle, who emerged as the Deputy National Organising Secretary, while several other candidates were returned unopposed following withdrawals by their opponents.

Source: VANGUARD