Turaki vows to restore PDP’s strength as party issues expulsion certificates to Wike, others
The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, has raised the alarm over what he described as attempts by certain actors to “kill or destroy” the party, emphasizing that the PDP stands at a critical crossroads.
Turaki made the remarks on Tuesday during a formal handover ceremony in Abuja, where his predecessor, Ambassador Umar Damagum, and members of the former National Working Committee (NWC) transferred authority to the new executive elected at the party’s national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16.
“The PDP is at a crossroads because some people feel that the PDP must be killed or destroyed,” Turaki told reporters, calling on political opponents, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), to respect the principles of political plurality that underpin democracy.
Assuring party members of a renewed focus on grassroots engagement, Turaki said, “We will take the party back to the people.
”There will be no impunity, and there will be no injustice. The name of this party is the Peoples Democratic Party, and we are determined to restore its winning spirit.”
Acknowledging the magnitude of the task ahead, Turaki expressed confidence in the new leadership team.
“The responsibility entrusted to us is enormous, but we are equal to the task.
”We will continue to seek advice and guidance from former leaders to ensure uncommon stewardship of our party,” he said.
Ambassador Damagum, who handed over the party’s affairs, expressed optimism about the PDP’s future, despite recent setbacks.
“We are a party to beat, and that is why some are trying to frustrate us. We are people of faith, and God will see us through every challenge,” Damagum said.
On the same day, the PDP, under Turaki’s leadership, issued expulsion certificates to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose; and nine other party members previously expelled at the Ibadan convention.
Speaking during a briefing at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Turaki explained that the certificates were intended to formally affirm the decisions of the party’s highest decision-making organ and to prevent dual-party membership violations under Nigerian law.
“We have considered members who were expelled by the national convention. Nigerian law frowns on dual party membership, and so we have sought to make this clear.
”Now that they are no longer members of our party, we have issued them certificates of expulsion,” Turaki said, displaying each certificate in turn.
Certificates were handed to or dispatched to the following individuals: Nyesom Wike, Ayodele Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Honourable Umaru Bature, Senior Advocate Kamarudeen Ajibade, Abdurahman Muhammad, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Mr. Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Nnanna, George Turna, and Chief Dan Orbih.
Turaki urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian Police Force, and other security agencies to note that the 11 individuals are no longer recognized as members of the PDP.
The issuance of the certificates marks a significant step in the PDP’s internal restructuring, signaling the new leadership’s resolve to enforce party discipline while preparing for upcoming political contests.
