Former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki (SAN), has been elected the new National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Turaki emerged victorious at the party’s national convention held on Saturday at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Delegates from 17 states participated in the voting process to elect new national officers.

Announcing the results, Senator Ben Obi, a former federal lawmaker, said Turaki secured 1,516 votes, defeating Senator Yakubu Danmarke, who polled 275 votes.

A total of 1,834 votes were cast, with 43 declared invalid.

Obi also disclosed that Solarin Adekunle was elected Deputy National Organising Secretary.

According to him, two national positions were contested, with 3,131 delegates present at the convention and 2,745 accredited to vote.

In his acceptance speech, Turaki praised members for the confidence reposed in him and vowed to lead the PDP with transparency and accountability.

He highlighted the party’s resilience over the years, noting that the PDP remains the only major political party in Nigeria that has retained its original name since inception.

“This is the party of the Nigerian people. Make no mistake about it—we are returning the party to you, the people. There will be no more impunity,” he said.

Turaki promised to reunite the party, reveal new guiding principles soon, and begin immediate reforms.

He urged former members who left during the crisis to return, stressing that the PDP must be repositioned to “save Nigerian democracy and rescue the country from the precipice.”

A native of Kebbi State, the 54-year-old senior lawyer holds a Law degree from the University of Jos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in Lagos.

He previously served as Minister of Special Duties under President Goodluck Jonathan and contested the Kebbi State governorship in 2011.

Delegates at the convention voted according to their state blocs to elect new national executives.

Governors in attendance included Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), alongside acting National Chairman Umar Damagum.

Other prominent figures present were Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Ibrahim Dankwambo, PDP BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, and other party leaders.

The convention proceeded despite ongoing litigation challenging its legality, reflecting the deepening leadership crisis that has divided the PDP in recent months.

A fresh wave of tensions hit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday, as Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, mocked the party’s decision to expel his boss and other pro-Wike figures.

Speaking to DAILY GAZETTE, Olayinka described the PDP gathering in Ibadan as little more than a premature December party disguised as a political meeting.

“When people decide to start their own dirty December in November, one can’t help but ignore whatever comes out of their mouths,” he said.

Olayinka accused the group of turning what should have been a serious political exercise into a social event, insisting that the expulsions carried no real weight.

“They gathered in Ibadan to have a social party, enjoyed themselves, and got intoxicated. They are free to say anything,” he added, suggesting the actions were driven more by excitement than by legitimate party procedure.

The remarks come amid escalating factionalism within the PDP, as supporters of Wike clash with those aligned with acting National Chairman Umar Damagum over controversies surrounding the party convention, disciplinary actions, and the Board of Trustees’ recommendations.

Analysts say the public mockery and counter-sanctions highlight a deepening struggle for control ahead of upcoming elections.

Olayinka emphasized that Wike remains unfazed by the expulsions, arguing that no credible authority within the party could sanction him or his allies.

Those reportedly affected alongside Wike include Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), former Governor Ayo Fayose, and Hon. Austin Nwachukwu.

In response, the PDP defended its actions, saying the expulsions aim to restore unity, discipline, and focus ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The decision, ratified by an overwhelming majority of delegates, underscores the party’s commitment to eradicating internal divisions and anti-party conduct,” the statement read.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the dissolution of its party structures in Imo, Abia, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State moved the motion at the PDP national convention in Ibadan to formally validate executives elected through congresses conducted nationwide.

Makinde noted that congresses held between 2024 and 2025 produced officers at the ward, local government, state, and zonal levels, including national ex-officio members.

He added that the exercises were conducted peacefully and in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, the PDP constitution, and the party’s internal regulations.

“The national executive committee (NEC) and the national working committee (NWC) have already endorsed the congresses and the elected officials. However, the party has now resolved to disband its structures in the five affected states,” Makinde said.

He further explained, “In the case of Imo, Abia, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers, the convention hereby dissolves all party structures at the ward, local government, and state levels.”

“This decision is authorised for publication to serve as formal notice to the public.”

The motion was seconded by Daniel Okechukwu, national auditor and member of the NWC, at the convention venue.

The Kebbi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared that it will not participate in the party’s national convention taking place on November 15, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Publicity Secretary of the chapter, Sani Dododo, said the boycott is in protest against the candidacy of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, who is contesting for the position of national chairman.

According to the chapter, Turaki is not a legitimate member of the party, having been suspended in April 2023 over allegations of gross misconduct, anti-party activities, and failure to pay party dues.

His suspension, issued by the Nasarawa 1 Ward, also included seven other members, among them former governorship candidate Gen. Bello S. Yaki.

In a petition dated October 25, 2025, the Kebbi PDP formally notified the screening committee for the national convention of its objection to Turaki’s nomination.

The petition, jointly signed by State Chairman Alhaji Usman Bello Suru and Secretary Abubakar Bawa Kalgo, contained signatures and phone numbers from members of both the state working and non-working committees, all registering their opposition to his candidacy.

The chapter further warned that any individual claiming to represent Kebbi State as a delegate would be doing so without authorisation, adding that all legitimate delegates from the state would remain at home in solidarity with the boycott.

Despite the protest, the PDP national convention is continuing with participation from other delegates and party stakeholders across the country.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially commenced its national convention at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Ibadan, Oyo State, despite ongoing litigation surrounding the event.

Several prominent party figures, including governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Sim Fubara (Rivers), and Agbu Kefas (Taraba), were not present at the opening of the convention.

However, other key leaders, such as Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Governor Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Governor Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Governor Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and the acting PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum, attended the proceedings.

Also in attendance were Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun) and Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe), PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, and party chieftain Bode George.

The convention featured a ceremonial flag presentation. Damagum received the PDP flag, Fintiri, the chairman of the convention, received the national convention flag, Governor Bala Mohammed received the Nigerian flag, and host Governor Makinde received the Oyo State flag.

Senate and House of Representatives flags were handed to Moro and Fred Agbedi, respectively.

The convention began with the accreditation of over 3,000 delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Preparations included extensive security arrangements and vibrant participation, with delegates dressed in colorful attire.

Governor Makinde had hosted a pre-convention dinner on Friday for PDP governors, former governors, the BoT chairman, and members of the National Working Committee.

The convention proceeds despite weeks of litigation. The Wike-led faction of the party had raised concerns over unresolved issues, including the conduct of congresses.

This disagreement split the party into two factions, led by Umar Damagum and Abdulrahman Muhammad.

While Damagum’s camp insisted on holding the convention, Muhammad’s faction sought to halt it following a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja.

The Board of Trustees, led by Wabara, confirmed the convention would continue as planned, despite a restraining order issued by Justice Peter Lifu of the Abuja Federal High Court.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan adjourned its decision on a separate suit filed by PDP member Folahan Adelabi challenging the court’s jurisdiction over the matter.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially expelled Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, and former party secretary Samuel Anyanwu, among others.

The motion for their expulsion was moved by Chief Olabode George, former National Vice Chairman (South), at the ongoing PDP convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.

It was seconded by Hon. Samaila Burga, PDP Chairman in Bauchi State.

Ahead of the convention, the Wike-led faction had attempted to halt the event through the courts.

However, the party secured a favorable judgment from a High Court in Oyo, allowing the convention to proceed.

Mao Ohabunwa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) aligned with Wike’s faction, had dismissed the convention, describing it as a “jamboree.”

He warned that any attendance in Ibadan would not be legally recognized. Ohabunwa also noted that Anyanwu had circulated a notice about the postponement of the convention.

He said, “We have reviewed our activities as the National Working Committee of PDP and agreed to respect all court decisions regarding the Ibadan convention. We are not part of this exercise. Ibadan is a public place—people can go for anything but not for a convention. Anyone attending under that pretext should consider it a jamboree. We will not tolerate blatant abuse of the party constitution.”

The faction’s acting national chairman, Abdulrahman Muhammad, urged delegates nationwide to stay away from the convention and wait for the appropriate time.

He emphasized his commitment to mobilizing members across all 36 states and the FCT for a united PDP.

Meanwhile, Wike praised party members for defending the PDP in their local areas.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law and promised not to betray supporters who uphold the party constitution.

“I am pleased with your dedication to the party in your respective areas. I will continue to support you and remain loyal to those who believe in the party constitution,” Wike stated.

Serenity Royale Hospital in Abuja has denied issuing a viral medical document claiming Nollywood actress Regina Daniels is receiving treatment for severe drug dependence at its facility, describing the report as entirely fabricated.

The circulating document alleged that Daniels, who is separated from her husband, Senator Ned Nwoko, had been diagnosed with substance use disorder and placed on a home-based detox programme beginning September 24, 2025.

The document also appeared to carry the signature of the hospital’s Managing Director and Head of Clinical Services, Adekunle Adesina.

In a statement released on Thursday, the hospital distanced itself from the publication, stressing that no such report originated from its records.

“Our attention has been drawn to a post on an alleged mid-term home detox report being circulated online in the name of Serenity Royale Hospital with respect to Nwoko Regina.”

“We wish to state clearly that the publication… did not emanate from us, and we respectfully request the public to disregard the same,” the disclaimer read.

The controversy erupted shortly after one of Nwoko’s wives accused Daniels on Instagram of exposing her to drugs and alcohol years ago, claiming the influence nearly destroyed her marriage.

She maintained that Nwoko strongly condemns substance use of any kind.

“You know my husband completely hates alcohol, drugs, and smoking. He has always been clear that he would never accept any wife who engages in such habits.”

“The only reason you’re having issues with him is because he wants you to stop your drug and alcohol addiction,” she alleged, adding that Nwoko’s insistence on intervention helped her recover.

Before the allegations, the co-wife had been posting cheerful updates about her family life, including home videos with Nwoko and a vacation clip captioned: ‘Too busy building my peace, life, and family — no time for anything else.’

Meanwhile, Daniels’ brother, Samuel Ojeogwu (popularly known as Sammy West), has regained his freedom after being arrested and charged with criminal conspiracy, trespass, assault, intimidation, and theft, charges reportedly stemming from a petition filed by Nwoko.

Tension rose at the ongoing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention in Ibadan on Saturday as aggrieved delegates pulled down posters of governors who failed to attend the event.

Posters of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, both of whom were noticeably absent, were torn down by angry party members at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, where the convention is being held.

The party, currently embroiled in a major internal crisis, proceeded with the convention despite two separate court rulings against it.

The faction loyal to Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum moved forward with the exercise based on a favourable judgement from an Oyo State High Court.

Governors present at the convention include Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and host governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo).

Other top party figures in attendance were former Senate President Adolphus Wabara and former governors Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), and Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano).