‘PDP Is Back,’ Turaki Says After Meeting Obasanjo, Eyes Osun and Ekiti Polls

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has begun laying the groundwork for a political comeback, with its National Chairman, Taminu Turaki, declaring the party “battle-ready” after a high-level meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta.

Turaki spoke after a closed-door engagement with the former president at his Presidential Library residence in Ogun State, describing the visit as part of broader efforts to stabilise the party and rebuild confidence ahead of future elections.

According to him, the PDP is drawing from its roots and institutional memory as it seeks to reassert itself following years of internal disputes and electoral losses.

He said the meeting was not merely ceremonial but aimed at tapping into Obasanjo’s experience as one of the party’s founding figures.

“We came to thank Baba for his role in strengthening democracy and building institutions that Nigeria still benefits from today,” Turaki said, adding that the party also sought guidance for the challenges ahead.

Off-Season Elections as First Test

Turaki said the PDP would use the upcoming off-season governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states as a testing ground for its resurgence, insisting that victories in both states would send a strong signal ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He described the party as more united following its recent congress, arguing that internal reconciliation had shifted momentum in its favour.

“As a mark of readiness, we will first reclaim Ekiti State and then Osun State. When that happens, no one will doubt that PDP is on the rise,” he said.

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The PDP chairman framed the strategy as deliberate, saying early electoral wins would help restore public trust and energize party members nationwide.

Turaki was accompanied to the meeting by several senior party figures, including former Senate President and Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara; former Niger State governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu; former Plateau State governor Jonah Jang; former Oyo State deputy governor Taofeek Arapaja; and Ogun State PDP chairman Abayomi Tella.

He stressed the importance of unity within the party, urging members to move beyond past divisions and focus on collective goals.

“Since our convention, the dynamics have changed. PDP members everywhere should understand that the party is prepared to reclaim its rightful place in Nigeria’s democratic process,” he said.

Speaking separately, Ogun State PDP chairman Abayomi Tella described the visit as symbolic, saying it had renewed confidence within the party.

According to him, the engagement with Obasanjo marked a turning point and signalled a break from what he called past missteps.

“This is a new dawn. Party members are encouraged, and the hope that was once lost is returning,” Tella said, adding that the PDP was prepared to challenge the ruling party in 2027.

The meeting comes at a time of heightened political activity, as parties begin repositioning ahead of the next electoral cycle, with off-season elections expected to shape alliances and public perception in the months ahead.