After a prolonged period of internal crisis, many had written off the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a fractured entity, paralysed by leadership disputes and unable to chart a cohesive path forward. The emergence of Tanimu Turaki, SAN, as the consensus candidate to succeed Iliya Damagun as national chairman marks a pivotal moment—one that signals renewed hope and strategic recalibration.
With less than three weeks to the party’s national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, the resolution of the chairmanship issue is both timely and reassuring. It allows the PDP to approach the convention with a sense of unity and purpose, having settled the most consequential leadership question.
A Hard-Won Consensus
The journey to consensus was anything but smooth. Several prominent names were floated, including founding members Professor Jerry Gana and Alhaji Sule Lamido—figures with deep administrative and political experience. Their exclusion was no small feat, especially as the North Central zone, which previously held the chairmanship, continued to assert its claim.
However, after two months of strategic engagement, introspection, and intense negotiation, the Bala Mohammed-led PDP Governors Forum steered the party toward zoning the chairmanship to the North West. From there, the caucus rallied around Hon. Tanimu Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Minister of Special Duties under the Goodluck Jonathan administration.
This decision was not merely about filling a vacant seat—it was a calculated move to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. The PDP needed a leader who could unify its fractured ranks, rebuild trust, and reenergize its base. Turaki, with his reputation for calm deliberation and bridge-building, emerged as the ideal candidate.
Why Turaki?
Turaki’s appeal lies not in flamboyance or political theatrics, but in his reputation as a peacebuilder and unifier. Described by insiders as a non-aligned operator, he is seen as someone capable of bridging divides rather than deepening them. While he may not match the political gravitas of Gana or Lamido, Turaki is widely regarded as a loyal party man with a solid professional pedigree and broad experience in governance.
His tenure as Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs in 2013 exposed him to the complexities of federal administration, equipping him with the tools to navigate the PDP’s current challenges. Calm, calculating, and deliberate, Turaki is expected to bring a stabilizing presence to the party’s leadership.
Turaki is far from a political novice suddenly thrust into prominence. Rather, he is a deeply rooted party loyalist whose years of service and commitment to the PDP have earned him both distinction and trust within its ranks.
His credibility and versatility have not gone unnoticed. In recognition of his strategic value, he was appointed Deputy Director General for the North in President Jonathan’s 2015 campaign and later served as Chairman of Legal Matters for Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign team in 2019.
He is also known for his ability to listen, mediate, and find common ground—qualities that are sorely needed in a party still reeling from internal divisions and external pressures. His emergence signals a shift from combative politics to conciliatory leadership, a move that could help the PDP regain its footing.
Strategic Zoning and the North West Factor
Zoning the chairmanship to the North West is more than a conciliatory gesture—it’s a strategic move. The region boasts the highest number of registered voters in the country, and any party serious about winning the presidency must court its support, particularly in Kano State.
Turaki’s Kebbi State, which was controversially lost to the APC, represents one of several constituencies the PDP aims to reclaim. The party is also fortunate to have Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara in the zone—a dynamic technocrat who has made significant strides in infrastructure, empowerment, and agriculture despite daunting security challenges.
The North West is not just a numerical powerhouse; it is a political bellwether. By zoning the chairmanship to this region, the PDP is signalling its intent to reconnect with its traditional strongholds and rebuild its grassroots structures. Turaki’s appointment is thus both symbolic and strategic—a message to the zone that the party is serious about its revival.
Credit to the Governors Forum
Amid legal wrangling and attempts to destabilize the PDP, the Bala Mohammed-led Governors Forum deserves commendation for breaking the impasse over the chairmanship. Their principled stand against anti-democratic forces helped preserve the party’s pluralistic foundation.
Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba) stood firm when others faltered, defending the diversity and democratic ethos upon which the PDP was built.
Their efforts reflect a broader commitment to internal democracy and party cohesion. In a political climate where opportunism often trumps principle, these governors chose to prioritize the long-term health of the party over short-term gains. Their leadership has been instrumental in steering the PDP away from the brink.
The Road Ahead
For Turaki, the real work begins now. He must immediately engage with all factions—friend and foe alike—to calm tensions and foster reconciliation. While it may be unrealistic to expect universal agreement, inclusive dialogue can pave the way for healing and unity.
The PDP’s path to the 2027 general elections hinges on its ability to rebuild trust, reclaim lost ground, and present a credible alternative to the electorate. Turaki’s leadership will be central to that mission.
He must also address the structural weaknesses that have plagued the party—poor coordination, lack of discipline, and inconsistent messaging. By instituting reforms, strengthening internal mechanisms, and promoting transparency, Turaki can help restore the PDP’s credibility.
Moreover, he must work closely with the Governors Forum, the National Working Committee, and other stakeholders to craft a compelling vision for the party. This includes articulating clear policy positions, engaging with civil society, and mobilizing youth and women—groups that are increasingly influential in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Conclusion
The choice of Tanimu Turaki as PDP chairman is a bold and thoughtful move—one that reflects a desire for unity, strategic positioning, and electoral revival. It is a recognition that leadership matters, and that healing a bruised party requires more than rhetoric; it demands action, empathy, and vision.
As the PDP prepares for its national convention and looks ahead to 2027, Turaki must rise to the occasion. The stakes are high, but so too is the opportunity. If he can harness the goodwill of stakeholders, reconcile warring factions, and reenergize the party’s base, he may well be the soothing balm the PDP needs to heal—and thrive.
Prince Oyerinde is of the Iresa-Adu Royal House, Ogbomosho