Following a high-level consultation with former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta at the weekend, a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by the former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Tanimu Turaki, said it is intensifying moves to reposition the party ahead of the 2026 governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti states.
The visit, which took place on Saturday at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, came against the backdrop of deepening internal divisions within the PDP. Described by party leaders as strategic and symbolic, it underscored the faction’s resolve to reclaim lost political ground in the South-West and project the PDP as a resurgent force preparing for a broader electoral comeback.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) the other faction, led by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, has accused Turaki’s group of defying subsisting court judgments by organising what it described as an “illegal convention” in Ibadan, where Turaki emerged as factional chairman.
Turaki arrived at Obasanjo’s residence in company of prominent PDP leaders, including former Niger State Governor, Alhaji Muazu Babangida Aliyu; former Plateau State Governor, Senator Jonah Jang; former Senate President and Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara; and the party’s National Secretary, Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja.
They were received by the Ogun State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Abayomi Tella, alongside other party leaders, before proceeding into a closed-door meeting with the former president.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Turaki said the delegation was in Abeokuta to formally introduce the newly elected party leadership to Obasanjo and to tap into his vast political experience.
“During our recent Congress in Ibadan, we felt it was important to come and introduce ourselves to our father, a former President under the PDP administration, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,” Turaki said. “I did not come alone. The former Senate President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of our great party, Senator Adolphus Wabara, is here. Our National Secretary, Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja, and two former governors of Niger and Plateau states, Alhaji Muazu Babangida Aliyu and Senator Jonah Jang, are also part of this delegation.”
He explained that beyond formalities, the visit was meant to acknowledge Obasanjo’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic evolution and institution-building.
“We came to thank the former president for his vision and contributions to strengthening our democracy and good governance while he was in power,” he said. “We also came to appreciate his role in building strong institutions that the country continues to benefit from today. Furthermore, we sought his guidance and inspiration as an oracle to help us in the gargantuan task that lies ahead.”
Using a proverb to underscore the value of experience, Turaki added, “A woman who started cooking before you must definitely have more broken pots. We have come to see our father here in Abeokuta. We have spoken to Baba, and Baba too has spoken to us. We are enriched.”
The PDP factional chairman declared that the party was positioning itself strongly for future elections, beginning with the 2026 governorship contests in Ekiti and Osun states.
“PDP is battle-ready for 2027,” he said. “As a mark of readiness, we shall first reclaim Ekiti State, followed by Osun State. By the time we win these two states, no one will doubt that PDP is on the rise and ready to challenge the APC government’s incompetence and maladministration.”
Turaki also called for unity among party members, insisting that the PDP had turned a corner.
“The advice I give PDP members globally is that PDP is back and ready to take its rightful place in the democratic process of this country,” he said. “Since our convention in Ibadan, the APC is more worried than ever. The equation has changed, and PDP is prepared to send them packing in 2027.”
In his remarks, Ogun State PDP Chairman, Hon. Tella, described the visit to Obasanjo as symbolic of a rebirth for the party.
“Party members are happy, our hope is rekindled. The era of past shenanigans is over. It is a new dawn, and we are all ready,” Tella said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Tella argued that voter sentiment would ultimately determine the outcome.
“It will be the people versus political parties,” he said. “Whether it’s APC or PDP, the people of Ogun State have tasted water and palm oil, and they understand the difference. With the support of the people, PDP will get the mantle of leadership in 2027. Everyone is tired of this government, and we are battle-ready.”
He concluded with a stern warning to political opponents, saying, “What happened in 2023 will not repeat itself. What happened during the Remo Federal Constituency by-election in August will not repeat. We are indigenes and residents of this state, and we have the right to vote and be voted for. No one can stop us from exercising that right in 2027.”
