By Chika Eze, Abuja
Former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, has emerged as the new National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while Ambassador Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja was elected National Secretary at the party’s national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Turaki, from Kebbi State, polled 1,516 votes to defeat his only opponent, the 2023 PDP governorship candidate in Katsina State, Lado Danmarke, who scored 275 votes before withdrawing from the race.
Other national officers, including Mr. Solarin Adekunle (Deputy National Organising Secretary), were elected unopposed.
PDP Dissolves Party Structures
In a major shake-up, the Convention dissolved PDP structures at the ward, local government, and state levels in Imo, Abia, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states.
The motion, moved by host Governor Seyi Makinde and seconded by National Auditor Daniel Obiechina Okechukwu, sought ratification of executive committees where congresses had been concluded.
Makinde explained that PDP congresses held nationwide between 2024 and 2025 were conducted “freely, fairly, and substantially in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, the PDP constitution, and party guidelines.”
The Convention also authorised the publication of the dissolution as an official notice to the public.
Convention Expels Wike, Anyanwu, Others
In a dramatic development, the PDP expelled former Rivers State Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, alongside the suspended National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu and nine other party leaders.
Those expelled include: Adeyemi Ajibade (SAN), Umar Bature, AbdulRahman Mohammed, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Turner, Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Ammah, and Dan Orbih.
The motion for their expulsion, moved by PDP founding father Chief Bode George and seconded by PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman and Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Mohammed, was affirmed overwhelmingly by delegates.
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George argued that the conduct of the 11 members had become “inconsistent with the party’s collective interest.”
Fintiri, Mutfwang Disown Expulsion
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and his Adamawa counterpart Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri swiftly distanced themselves from the expulsion.
Mutfwang, in a statement by his Director of Press, Gyang Bere, said the issue was never discussed at the PDP Governors’ Forum nor at NEC, adding that the timing was “not strategic.”
Fintiri, through his Chief Press Secretary Humwashi Wonosikou, declared:
“My position is clear: I stand for the peace and stability of the PDP. I will not support anything that could lead to its disintegration.”
Agbu Kefas Dumps PDP, to Join APC Wednesday
Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has announced he will defect from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday, November 19.
Speaking during an inspection of renovation works at Jolly Nyame Stadium, venue of the planned declaration rally, Kefas said the move was driven by his commitment to securing the future of Taraba State.
He said: “This movement is about the destiny and future of the people of Taraba. There are no hidden conditions attached.”
Members of the Taraba State Executive Council have pledged full support.
Commissioner for Science and Technology, Muslim Aruwa, said: “Wherever the governor goes, we go with him… APC, SDP, or ADC. This alignment with the federal government is for the good of all citizens.”
Wike’s Aide Mocks PDP
Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, mocked the party’s decision, saying those behind the expulsion were “intoxicated.”
In his words: “They went to Ibadan to start a dirty December in November… They gathered to do a social party, enjoyed themselves, and got intoxicated.”
Fubara, Adeleke, Kefas Absent
Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba) were noticeably absent from the convention.
Those present included Governors Makinde (Oyo), Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Mutfwang (Plateau).
Also in attendance were: Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, former Osun Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Gombe Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, PDP BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, and several key party chieftains.