PDP’s Bold Reset: Turaki Takes the Helm as High-Profile Expulsions Mark Dramatic Ibadan Convention
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday concluded one of its most decisive and dramatic national conventions in recent history, held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan. The convention, which proceeded despite conflicting court orders, produced a new national leadership and sanctioned several prominent members for alleged anti-party activities.
The 2025 Elective National Convention, attended by thousands of delegates across the federation, was marked by tension, legal controversies, and a renewed call for discipline within the party.
Court Judgements Set the Tone
The days leading to the convention were defined by a series of contradictory court rulings. An Oyo State High Court gave the PDP the green light to continue with its convention arrangements, insisting that the party’s internal processes must not be stalled. However, a Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier issued an order stopping the event, citing procedural irregularities.
Despite the confusion, the convention proceeded as scheduled, with party stakeholders describing the turnout as an act of defiance against division and an affirmation of the PDP’s resolve to rebuild.
Turaki Elected National Chairman
A major highlight of the convention was the election of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, as the new National Chairman of the PDP. Turaki polled 1,516 votes to secure a clear victory, earning applause from delegates who described his emergence as “the beginning of a new era.”
In his acceptance speech, Turaki promised to rebuild the party through transparency, reconciliation, and inclusiveness. He appealed to aggrieved members to return, stressing that the PDP must rediscover its unity in order to reclaim national relevance.
Massive Shake-Up: Wike, Fayose, Anyanwu Expelled
In a sweeping decision that signaled a major internal reset, the convention approved the expulsion of several high-ranking party members over allegations of anti-party conduct. Those expelled include:
- Nyesom Wike, former Governor of Rivers State
- Senator Samuel Anyanwu, a former factional leader
- Ayo Fayose, former Governor of Ekiti State
- Kamaldeen Ajibade, former National Legal Adviser
- Umar Bature, George Turner, Dan Orbih, and others
The motion for their expulsion was moved by PDP chieftain Chief Bode George and seconded by Governor Bala Mohammed, receiving overwhelming support from delegates on the convention floor.
Party insiders described the expulsions as a long-awaited step toward restoring discipline and cohesion after years of internal wrangling.
Leaders React: A Turning Point for PDP
Host governor, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, described the convention as a watershed moment, predicting that the outcome would “turn the fortunes of the party around.”
Chairman of the Convention Organising Committee and Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, used the occasion to call for unity, stating that Nigerians were looking up to the PDP to provide credible opposition and a pathway to national recovery.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, urged the newly elected leadership to govern with courage, fairness, and renewed commitment to party ideals.
Implications for the Future
Political observers say the convention could significantly redefine the PDP’s direction ahead of the 2027 general elections. While the election of Turaki is seen as a stabilizing step, the expulsions may trigger new political alignments or intensify existing divisions.
Analysts note that the convention has sent a clear message: the party intends to enforce discipline, restructure its leadership, and present a united front as it prepares to challenge the ruling party in future elections.