Babangida urges PDP Chairman Kabiru Turaki to rebuild party ahead of 2027 elections

Babangida urges PDP Chairman Kabiru Turaki to rebuild party ahead of 2027 elections

Former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), has tasked the newly elected National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki, SAN, with rebuilding the party, correcting past mistakes, and positioning it as a stabilizing force in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The directive was given during a courtesy visit to Babangida’s Hilltop residence in Minna by Turaki and selected members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC). Discussions reportedly focused on party renewal, national stability, and strengthening political structures nationwide.

Turaki explained that the delegation had initially planned an appreciation visit but merged it with a condolence visit due to recent abductions in Niger State. Babangida commended the PDP leadership for identifying with the government and people of Niger State during this difficult period and reaffirmed the party’s deep national roots.

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The former Head of State emphasized the importance of inclusive leadership, broad consultation, and tact in rebuilding the party. “While you spoke earlier, you admitted that the party made mistakes and has already set machinery in motion to correct them. I urge you to use tact, seek people’s opinions, and work towards building a peaceful and progressive party. You have the capacity to do it, and I wish you well,” Babangida said.

Illustrating the enduring influence of party structures, Babangida shared an anecdote of a military administrator in Niger State who found a resident loyal to the then-ruling NPN, highlighting how political parties embed themselves in communities.

Responding, Turaki expressed gratitude for Babangida’s guidance, promising that the PDP would continue to leverage his experience to strengthen its organs and restore its winning spirit ahead of 2027. “We are committed to resetting this party, strengthening its structures, and restoring its winning spirit ahead of 2027,” he said.

Sources at the meeting disclosed that Babangida encouraged the NWC to sustain unity, rebuild trust within the party, and stabilize its structures across the states in preparation for future electoral contests.

The delegation included the Deputy National Chairmen (North and South), the National Secretary Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, Kaduna State PDP Chairman Edward Percy Masha, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Musa Bala, members of the NWC, the Niger State PDP Working Committee, and the immediate past state chairman, Tanko Beji. A vote of thanks was delivered by former Kano State Governor Malam Ibrahim Shekarau.

Babangida urges PDP Chairman Kabiru Turaki to rebuild party ahead of 2027 elections