By Segun Olatunji
Ahead of next month’s National Convention of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, strong indications have emerged that a former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki stands a better chance of being elected during the convention as the party’s new national chairman.
It was gathered that of the three names pencilled down for the position of the next PDP National Chairman, party stakeholders and other bigwigs have continued to express their preference for Turaki, particularly for his neutral stand in the various crises that have plagued the former ruling party for some years now and their belief in his ability to successfully reconcile the various factions and achieve the much-needed unity required by the PDP to forge ahead.
According to them, of all the contenders for the PDP national chairman’s seat, Turaki stands out with his unmatched credentials and political tact, as well as for his unifying appeal.
The PDP National Convention has been scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Turaki, it was further learnt, is favoured by the majority of the powers-that-be in the PDP, not just because of his enviable credentials, “but because the party itself is in dire need of his kind of leadership.” Therefore, PDP bigwigs rooting for his emergence as the national chairman at the forthcoming national convention are of the conviction that the other contenders for the position would, out of respect for Turaki’s past collaborations and his unique standing, eventually “defer” to him to enable him clinch the PDP national chairman’s position at the convention.
His unique selling point, they said, is his “past experiences, from serving as Minister to leading sensitive peace initiatives,” which they argue “have sharpened his ability to lead with wisdom and courage.”
Also, according to a political and public affairs analyst, Dr. Ikenna Agu, “As the PDP navigates through a storm of crises and divisions fuelled by competing interests, external interference, and the search for a credible national identity, the odds clearly favour Turaki.
“He represents the middle ground, the neutral voice, and the reconciliatory figure the party desperately needs at this point. His political ingenuity, his background as a respected legal luminary, and his proven capacity to unify diverse factions make him the right man for the job.
“Kabiru Tanimu Turaki is not just another politician seeking relevance in Nigeria’s crowded political space; he is a man whose life journey has been marked by distinction, discipline, and determination. A trained lawyer who rose through the ranks of legal practice to attain the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Turaki commands respect both in the courtroom and in the political arena. The SAN title, equivalent to the Queen’s Counsel in the British legal system, is not conferred lightly—it is reserved for legal practitioners who have attained the highest level of excellence, integrity, and contribution to the law.”
The analyst argued that the PDP needed a neutral personality like Turaki as its national chairman to reconcile the various warring factions with a view to regaining lost grounds and further strengthening the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party.
He added, “Turaki’s rise in the legal profession and his later venture into politics provide an inspiring backdrop to his story. His grounding in law honed his skills in negotiation, persuasion, and mediation—skills that are indispensable in managing the competing interests of a political party as diverse as the PDP. Unlike many who take to politics as a full-time career without a fallback profession, Turaki’s foundation as a lawyer and statesman affords him a unique perspective: he sees leadership as service and responsibility, not as an avenue for personal enrichment or vendetta.
“One of Turaki’s most outstanding attributes is his political ingenuity. Over the years, he has proven himself capable of navigating complex political situations without losing his integrity or neutrality. He has consistently played the role of a peacemaker, often bridging divides and helping warring camps within the PDP find common ground. This ingenuity is not accidental—it is rooted in his ability to listen, empathise, and design solutions that accommodate diverse interests without alienating any camp.”
Further praising Turaki’s virtues, the analyst stressed that his diplomatic skills and neutrality would come in handy in successfully resolving the perennial conflicts plaguing the main opposition party and in competently handling the affairs of a diverse political party like the PDP.
“Turaki’s political style is not confrontational but diplomatic, a rare quality in Nigeria’s often volatile political climate. This makes him stand out as the one figure who can steer the PDP back to its original vision of inclusivity and internal democracy. His calm disposition, strategic thinking, and respect for due process are qualities that inspire confidence not only among party members but also among ordinary Nigerians who yearn for leaders that can be trusted,” he said.
Agu, who recalled the perennial crises that have plagued the main opposition party, further stated, “The PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) has in recent years been bedeviled by crises, much of it instigated or exacerbated by external influence. The presence of clashing godfathers and conflicting regional interests has often left the party in turmoil, unable to function cohesively as a national movement. The need for a neutral, widely acceptable, and unifying chairman has therefore become paramount.
“Kabiru Tanimu Turaki is uniquely positioned to fill this role. Unlike many aspirants whose loyalty is tied to specific political camps or godfathers, Turaki is one of the few who commands respect across the board. His neutrality is not born of aloofness but of a deliberate effort over the years to maintain cordial relationships across factions. He is the type of leader who inspires confidence in his fairness, someone that all camps can rally around knowing he has no hidden agenda of vendetta or domination.”
He however expressed hope that the other contenders for the PDP national chairman’s seat would eventually “defer” to Turaki because of their relationship and friendship with the former Minister, “acknowledging his past political records, his collaborative style, and his capacity to serve as a neutral reconciler.”
Agu further said, “Kabiru Tanimu Turaki’s political journey reflects a steady climb marked by achievements, loyalty, and service. He was a member of the 2004 Political Reform Conference convened under President Olusegun Obasanjo—a platform where he contributed to far-reaching recommendations on governance, restructuring, and national cohesion.
“As Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs under President Jonathan, Turaki performed admirably, overseeing sensitive national assignments and coordinating intergovernmental relations at a time when Nigeria was grappling with complex challenges. He was also appointed Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North, a committee tasked with engaging insurgents in the pursuit of peace. This assignment, perhaps more than any other, revealed Turaki’s courage, tact, and willingness to place himself in difficult positions for the sake of national peace.”
Tracing Turaki’s political pedigree, the analyst noted that the former Minister, earlier in his career was deeply committed and involved in party organisation at both the state and national levels, contributing to the strengthening of the PDP as a truly national party. These roles, he added, prepared Turaki for higher leadership by exposing him to the inner workings of political party administration, conflict resolution and consensus building.
Agu noted, “At a time when the PDP stands at the crossroads of survival or decline, the importance of choosing the right chairman cannot be overstated. The party does not need a partisan strongman; it needs a reconciler, a bridge-builder, and a visionary. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki embodies all these qualities and more.
“His political ingenuity, his statesmanlike disposition, his unifying qualities, and his respected profile as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria make him not just a candidate but the inevitable choice. Unlike others who carry the baggage of factional allegiances, Turaki’s neutrality positions him as the one leader who can heal the wounds of the PDP and set it back on the path of national dominance.
“As the PDP prepares for this crucial transition, one thing is certain: Kabiru Tanimu Turaki is not just the right man for the job—he is the only man who can command the respect, trust, and unity the party desperately needs. If the PDP is to rise again, then its rebirth must be anchored on a chairman who understands its soul, respects its diversity, and can reconcile its factions. That man is Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.”
