Nigeria’s political landscape heated up yesterday after newly elected National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanim...
Nigeria’s political landscape heated up yesterday after newly elected National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), declared that the party is ready to explore “all options”—including a broad opposition coalition—to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Trust after securing over 1,516 delegate votes at the PDP national convention in Ibadan, Turaki issued one of the strongest warnings yet from the opposition, insisting that “democracy is under threat” and Nigeria must be “rescued from the present situation.”
He said the PDP would work with political parties under IPAC, civil society groups, the international community, and the media, declaring that the party is open to any alliance capable of strengthening democracy.
Asked whether a united opposition front would be formed to stop Tinubu’s re-election bid, Turaki replied:
“We will be open to all options. Whatever strengthens democracy and is acceptable to Nigerians will be considered.”
ADC: Coalition Yes — But ‘Not Business as Usual’
Reacting swiftly, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) drew a red line. Its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC is ready for a coalition—but only if the PDP embraces a new political ethos.
“We are not interested in power for power’s sake,” Abdullahi said.
“Any partnership must reset Nigerian politics. All opposition parties must unite to remove this government, but it will not be business as usual.”
APC Fires Back: ‘We Wish Them Luck — Nigerians Won’t Go Back to PDP Misrule’
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the coalition talk as empty noise.
APC’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, mocked the opposition:
“We wish them good luck—even Goodluck Jonathan is one of them,” he said.
“Nigerians suffered under PDP misrule. No responsible Nigerian will return to that era. We are not worried at all.”
How Turaki Defied Court Drama to Emerge PDP Chairman
Turaki’s victory did not come without turbulence. The convention held in Ibadan despite three conflicting court orders—two from the Federal High Court in Abuja halting the exercise, and one from an Ibadan High Court allowing it to proceed.
Backed by five governors and the Damagum-led National Working Committee, the party pressed ahead.
His only cleared challenger, Senator Lado Danmarke, withdrew shortly before voting but still managed to score 275 votes. Seventeen positions were filled unopposed, and delegates from 32 states participated.
Turaki and the newly constituted NWC will be inaugurated on December 9.
Major Explosion: Wike, Fayose, Anyanwu, Others ‘Expelled’—Crisis Erupts
The convention was shaken by the dramatic announcement of the expulsion of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and several top figures for alleged anti-party activities.
But within hours, the expulsions sparked a full-blown rebellion.
Anyanwu: ‘It Was Not a Convention — It Was a Motor Park Commissioning!’
Senator Anyanwu dismissed the entire convention as a “jamboree”, insisting he remains the legitimate national secretary.
In a blistering interview, he said:
“What happened in Ibadan was not a PDP convention. Governor Makinde only commissioned a motor park. My absence means nothing happened. The only person who removed himself is Damagum.”
He said party stakeholders would soon decide whether to convene a proper convention or form a caretaker committee.
Orbih Explodes: ‘They Are Political Undertakers Destroying PDP’
Another expelled leader, Chief Dan Orbih, launched an even harsher attack, branding the organisers “political undertakers committed to burying the PDP.”
“There was no convention. It was a social gathering. When they ran out of suya, they started expelling people,” he said.
“If this is how they behave, is this what they will do if Nigerians give them power again?”
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