The National leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Taminu Turaki (SAN), on Saturday, had a closed-door meeting with former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, in Abeokuta.
Turaki was in company of former Senate President, Aldohpus Wabara, who is the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the party; former governors of Niger and Plateau States, Alhaji Muazu Babangida Aliyu and Senator David Jonah Jang; the National Secretary of the party, Taofeek Arapaja; the governorship candidate of the party in Ekiti State, Dr Oluwole Oluye
Others in attendance were former member of the House of Representatives from Ogun State, Hon Olusegun Adekoya; former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Zambia, Mrs Folake Marcus Bello; the State Chairman of the party, Hon Abayomi Tella and leaders and elders of the party in Ogun and across the Southwest States.
Speaking after the meeting that lasted about 45 minutes, Turaki said the new leadership of the party had come to draw from the wealth of experience of Baba Obasanjo, who he said was one of those who laid the foundation of democracy being enjoyed in the country from 1999 till date.
He said the leadership of the party had come to s Obasanjo for his vision and contributions to strengthening the nation’s democracy and good governance.
Turaki noted that the leadership of the party is saddled with an herculean task to ensure that it takes over power in 2027.
The National Chairman said the party is ready to win the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States in 2026.
He said, “The newly elected PDP leadership during our recent Congress at Ibadan came to introduce ourselves to our father, the former president under the PDP administration, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
“I didn’t come alone, the former Senate President and the BOT Chairman of our great Party, Sen Adolphus Wabara is here likewise our National Secretary, the former deputy governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja is also here. Two former governors of Niger and Plateau States, Alhaji Muazu Babangida Aliyu and Sen Jonah Jang are also part of the entourage among others.
“We came to thank the former president for his vision and contributions to strengthening our democracy and good governance while he was in power, we came to thank him for helping to building strong institutions which the country is enjoying till today.
“We have also come to see the former president to draw inspiration from him as an oracle, we have come to get guidance, we have come to get advice, we have equally come to get critical support because if we must succeed in the gargantuan assignment that has been thrust upon our shoulders, then we must come to people like Chief Obasanjo who have the prerequisite experience.
“There is a proverb that says that a woman who started cooking before you must definitely have more broken pots. So, we have come to see our father here in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital and we have spoken to Baba and Baba too has spoken to us and we are enriched.
” We have also realised more than ever before now that yes, the task before us may not be an easy one but from the inspiration and guidance that we have received from Baba today, we are more than ready to go all the way and take PDP back to the seat of power come 2027
“PDP is battle ready for 2027 and as our mark of readiness, we shall take over Ekiti State and then followed up with Osun State.
“By the time we won these two states we shall leave no one in doubt that PDP is once again is on the move, PDP is on the rise to chase out the APC government with all its incompetence and maladministration in 2027
“My advice to PDP globally is that PDP is back and is on the rise to take its rightful place in the democratic process of the country. The Nigerians could see that since our conversation held in Ibadan, the APC is now worried more than ever before, they know that the equation has changed and that PDP is ready to send them packing in 2027.”
Although, the details of what Obasanjo said at the meeting was not disclosed by Turaki, but Sunday Tribune, learnt that Obasanjo praised the leadership of the party for their efforts in repositioning and stabilizing the party.
This was contained in a post on the official X handle of the party.
The party said the former president commended all the steps taken by the NWC, urging them to remain steadfast in their mission and instill discipline in the Party, saying that “anybody who wants to belong to a political party must adhere strictly to its rules and regulations”
“Things are not beyond repair. Soldier on…You are doing very well,” Chief Obasanjo stated, encouraging the committee to continue their work with diligence and tact”.
He stressed the importance of a strong, focused opposition in any democracy, charging the NWC to ensure that the interest of the nation remains paramount.
The former President, emphasised that the current challenges facing the nation require all political actors to play constructive roles, putting the country’s interest first. He offered his wealth of experience and political insights to the leadership, affirming his readiness to provide guidance when necessary.
Chief Obasanjo stressed that the way and manner the Federal Government is going, they can’t take Nigeria anywhere good.
Responding to the former President’s encouraging words, the Party’s National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the entire NWC.
“Your continued support and wisdom mean a great deal to us, Sir,” Turaki said.
“Your advice and great counsel are always very helpful and we will rely on them as we work tirelessly to rebuild and unify our party. We came here specifically to tap into your experience and benefit from your invaluable perspective on both the party’s future and the state of our nation.”
The State Chairman, Abayomi Tella,said the visit of the NWC had rekindled the lost hope of the party faithful, and equally put and end to all the shenanigans of the past in the party.
He described the visit as a new dawn for the party to reposition itself before the 2027 general election.
Tella said the party would get the mantle of leadership back from the All Progressives Congress in Ogun.
He said, “For 2027, the election will be the people versus political parties. It doesn’t matter whether it’s APC or PDP.
“The people of Ogun State have tasted water and palm oil and they are at home with the difference. So, it is the people of the state with the PDP will get the mantle of leadership in 2027. It’s not about us alone because everyone is tired of this government, enough of this maladministration and bad governance under APC leadership, so together with the people, we are battle ready for 2027.
” What happened in 2023 will not repeat itself, what happened during Remo Federal constituency by-election in August will not repeat itself. It’s the way they bring it that they will take it back, I am emphatic about this.
“We are all indigenes of this state, we are all residents of this state and we have the right to vote and be voted for, you can’t pursue people away from voting for one party, we won’t allow that to happen in 2027.”
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
