2027: Turaki gives guarantee that PDP will appear on voting ballot to party faithful and backers

Tanimu Turaki, a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, has given his assurance to party members and supporters that the leadership is taking all necessary steps to ensure the party's prominence on the ballot in the 2027 general elections.

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This assurance was made by Turaki on Friday in Abuja during the opening remarks of the 103rd National Executive Committee meeting of his faction of the party.

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Despite the ongoing leadership challenges within the party, Turaki emphasized that all hope is not lost, as the leadership is working tirelessly to maintain the PDP as a viable platform for all aspirants.

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According to Turaki, the leadership is diligently working around the clock to ensure the PDP remains a suitable platform for members wishing to contest elections, both in 2027 and beyond.

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Turaki expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support and cooperation from members of the National Working Committee and other party leaders, stating that it is the leadership's responsibility to keep the PDP afloat and in a position to contest and win elections.

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He noted that the party's goal is to return to government at the centre in 2027, with the help of God, and emphasized the importance of the party's survival and strengthening as the "only surviving legacy party in Nigeria today" to save democracy.

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Turaki also mentioned that the leadership had intentionally delayed the meeting to analyze unfolding scenarios related to the party's leadership crisis, both within and outside the courtroom.

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As leaders, Turaki stated that they are better positioned to inform party members about developments and guide them in making informed decisions to save and strengthen the PDP.

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Turaki addressed the issue of defections, saying that the exit of high-profile members, including former presidents, vice-presidents, and governors, would not lead to the party's collapse, as the PDP has become an institution in Nigerian democracy.

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He emphasized that the PDP will continue to exist, despite the loss of members, as it has become a vital part of the country's democratic landscape.

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Sen. Adolphus Wabara, the Board of Trustees Chairman, urged members to remain steadfast as the party awaits a formal report from the reconciliation committee headed by Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

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Wabara described members who defected to other parties as having 'weak belief', saying that the party will ultimately emerge victorious, as "he who laughs last laughs best".

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PDP House of Reps Caucus Leader, Hon. Fred Agbedi, assured the party that the remaining lawmakers are holding on and ready for battle, saying "when the war gets tough, it's only the tough that keeps going".

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Agbedi urged members not to be swayed by financial inducements, emphasizing that the PDP must rise to take the battle to their opponents' doorsteps.

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Chairman of State Chairmen, Hon. Tony Azigbemi, representing 28 state PDP chairmen, reaffirmed their loyalty to Turaki's leadership, describing the internal friction as a fight between light and darkness.

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Azigbemi criticized the unilateral appointment of national officers by certain individuals, stating that one person cannot unilaterally appoint members of the National Caretaker Committee.

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Azigbemi declared that the state chairmen will stand by Turaki's leadership, regardless of the challenges they may face, saying "we will stick with this leadership, no matter what is thrown at us".