By DR. IKENNA AGU
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stands once again at a historic crossroads — one that will determine whether it reclaims its lost political dominance or fades permanently into the shadows of Nigeria’s democratic history. The recent endorsement of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, by the North-West caucus of the PDP as the unopposed candidate for national chairman marks a critical turning point in the party’s evolution. It is a decision that has rekindled hope across the country, sending a strong signal that the PDP is finally ready to reorganize, reunite, and reclaim its identity as a party of vision, discipline, and national inclusion.
However, the task ahead is enormous. The PDP is burdened with the responsibility of restoring public confidence, rebuilding internal cohesion, and presenting itself as a credible alternative to the ruling party. In Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, many believe the party has found the right man for this mission — a man of intellect, integrity, and impeccable loyalty, whose life and career embody the values of service, discipline, and justice. His emergence as a consensus candidate did not happen by chance; it is the product of years of trust, sacrifice, and leadership that have distinguished him as one of the few figures capable of rebuilding the PDP from within.
Turaki’s journey to this point mirrors the larger story of the PDP itself — a journey of promise, setbacks, resilience, and renewal. As a lawyer of great repute and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, he has built his reputation on competence, fairness, and bridge-building across Nigeria’s ethnic and political divides. His public service record as Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, his years of contribution to national policy discussions, and his unwavering loyalty to the PDP even in difficult times all stand as a testament to his credibility. Now, as he prepares to assume the leadership of a party in transition, the expectations are understandably high.
The task before Kabiru Turaki can be summarized into three interconnected missions — rebuilding the PDP’s internal structures, restoring public trust, and redefining the party’s purpose for the future. Each of these requires not only vision but also courage, patience, and inclusiveness.
The PDP, once regarded as Africa’s largest political party, has in recent years struggled with internal divisions, poor coordination, and factionalism. Leadership disputes, parallel congresses, and conflicting loyalties have weakened its foundation, making it difficult for the party to speak with one voice. To rebuild, Turaki must begin from within — by restoring discipline, reforming the party’s internal processes, and creating an atmosphere where every member feels valued and respected.
One of his foremost responsibilities will be to reconcile aggrieved members. The PDP is filled with individuals who have made sacrifices for the party but feel sidelined or disillusioned by past leadership failures. Healing these wounds will require humility, open dialogue, and fairness. Turaki’s reputation as a consensus builder gives him a natural advantage in this regard. He must establish a national reconciliation committee that goes beyond token gestures and genuinely listens to the grievances of members at all levels — from the grassroots to the national executive.
Equally important is the task of reorganizing the PDP’s internal administration. Over time, the party’s organs have weakened, with some state chapters operating without functional leadership or direction. A clear, functional, and transparent system must return. The role of the National Working Committee (NWC) under Turaki must be that of a unifying administrative engine — not a political faction. Restoring respect for the party’s constitution, ensuring transparency in decision-making, and discouraging the culture of impunity will help revive the PDP’s internal democracy.
The PDP must also focus on youth and women inclusion, a critical factor for its long-term survival. The generation that grew up under PDP’s previous dominance now demands relevance in today’s politics. Turaki’s leadership must open the door for young professionals, students, and entrepreneurs who want to be part of national decision-making. The inclusion of women and youth in leadership roles, not as a token gesture but as a deliberate strategy, will make the PDP a party of the future rather than one trapped in nostalgia.
Perhaps the biggest challenge facing the PDP is not its opponents but public perception. Over the years, Nigerians have grown skeptical of political parties, especially those that once held power. For the PDP to win elections again, it must first win back the people’s trust. This trust can only be earned through sincerity, reform, and effective communication.
Under Turaki’s leadership, the PDP must reinvent itself as a party that listens and responds to the people’s needs. The era of political arrogance must give way to one of humility and service. The new PDP must be a party that identifies with the ordinary Nigerian — the farmer, the teacher, the civil servant, the unemployed youth, and the struggling business owner. Its message must be about solutions, not blame; about the future, not the past.
To achieve this, Turaki must prioritize the modernization of the PDP’s communication strategy. In today’s digital age, political narratives are shaped online. The PDP needs a strong media and public engagement structure that uses modern tools to communicate its vision, counter misinformation, and tell its own story effectively. Transparency in its dealings, accessibility of its leaders, and a clear agenda that speaks to Nigeria’s pressing economic and social issues will be vital.
Another key area is ethics. The PDP must project a new moral tone — one that emphasizes accountability and discipline. Turaki’s clean record as a lawyer and public servant positions him perfectly to drive this change. He can initiate an internal ethics and values committee to monitor compliance with party principles and ensure that those representing the PDP in public offices live up to its standards. Nigerians are yearning for a political party that not only wins elections but also embodies integrity.
Beyond structure and image, the PDP must rediscover its purpose. The original vision of the party was to unite Nigeria, uphold democratic values, and deliver inclusive development. Over the years, that vision has been blurred by internal wrangling and loss of ideological direction. Under Turaki, the PDP has a rare chance to redefine what it stands for in a changing political landscape.
This redefinition should begin with policy clarity. Nigerians must know what the PDP represents on key national issues — the economy, security, education, and governance. It is not enough to criticize the ruling party; the PDP must present clear, evidence-based alternatives. Turaki can initiate a National Policy and Strategy Forum within the party, comprising experts and technocrats who can develop blueprints for governance and reform. These policy frameworks will serve as the intellectual foundation of the PDP’s campaigns, ensuring that the party speaks with substance, not slogans.
The PDP must also return to grassroots politics. For too long, national elections have overshadowed the importance of local structures. The strength of any political party lies in its local presence. Turaki’s rebuilding mission should include strengthening ward and local government chapters, reviving membership drives, and ensuring that the party remains connected to the people on the streets, not just politicians in Abuja.
Equally important is inter-party collaboration and coalition building. Nigeria’s democracy is evolving, and political alliances are becoming increasingly important. The PDP must be open to strategic partnerships with other progressive movements, civil society groups, and independent voices that share its vision of a more equitable Nigeria. Turaki, known for his wide network across political divides, is in a unique position to lead this new phase of coalition politics that could redefine the balance of power ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Good leadership is the foundation of every successful organization. For Turaki to succeed, he must lead by example — demonstrating honesty, discipline, and inclusiveness. His leadership style must reflect calm strength and moral clarity, not intimidation or favoritism. The PDP’s new era must be defined by merit and respect for process. Decisions must be guided by fairness, not by who has the loudest voice or deepest pocket.
He will also need to manage the powerful PDP Governors’ Forum with tact and diplomacy. In previous administrations, tension between governors and national executives created instability. Turaki must build a respectful working relationship with governors while maintaining the independence of the national leadership. His experience as a negotiator and consensus builder will be vital here.
Moreover, his tenure should emphasize results over rhetoric. Nigerians are tired of political promises without implementation. Every reform initiative within the PDP — from membership registration to congress planning — must produce measurable outcomes. If he succeeds in institutionalizing efficiency and discipline, the PDP will gradually regain credibility and internal pride.
The importance of Kabiru Turaki’s leadership extends beyond the PDP. A strong, credible opposition is essential for a healthy democracy. When the opposition is weak, governance becomes complacent; when the opposition is strong, democracy thrives. Nigeria needs a reinvigorated PDP that can engage the ruling party constructively, propose alternatives, and mobilize citizens around shared values.
Turaki’s leadership represents an opportunity to restore that balance. His emergence through consensus signals that the PDP can act with maturity and foresight. It shows that leadership disputes can be resolved through dialogue rather than division. This maturity will not only benefit the PDP but will also strengthen Nigeria’s democratic culture.
As the 2027 general election approaches, the political landscape will continue to evolve. The ruling party faces its own internal challenges, and the electorate is becoming more aware and demanding. This creates a fertile ground for the PDP’s resurgence, but only if it presents itself as a disciplined, united, and visionary organization. Turaki’s task is to turn this opportunity into tangible political advantage through smart strategy, grassroots mobilization, and principled leadership.
The road ahead will not be easy. Rebuilding a political party as vast and complex as the PDP requires patience, vision, and courage. There will be internal resistance from those who benefit from disorder, and external pressure from political opponents. However, Turaki’s calm temperament and deep understanding of Nigerian politics give him the resilience to stay focused.
To succeed, he must inspire confidence among stakeholders. Party elders must see him as a restorer of legacy; the youth must see him as a reformer of the future. He must manage diversity — religious, ethnic, and regional — with fairness and empathy. Above all, he must make the PDP once again a home for every Nigerian who believes in justice, development, and unity.
The endorsement of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as the unopposed national chairman of the PDP represents more than just a political event — it is a symbol of renewal, unity, and hope. His emergence by consensus shows that the PDP is learning from its past and is ready to embrace the future with wisdom. The tasks ahead are challenging but not insurmountable.
With the right vision, inclusive leadership, and disciplined organization, Turaki can transform the PDP into a stronger, more credible, and people-centered political movement. His leadership offers a chance for the party to rediscover its soul, reconnect with Nigerians, and redefine its place in the country’s democratic journey.
In Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, the PDP has found not just a chairman, but a bridge — one capable of connecting the party’s glorious past to its promising future. The rebuilding mission begins now, and the success or failure of this journey will define the future of Nigeria’s democracy for years to come.
Discussion about this post