By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has been elected National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party following a fiercely contested national convention on Saturday in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The convention, attended by delegates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, was marked by disputes over zoning, accreditation delays, and alleged last-minute power plays by rival camps. Security personnel were stationed in and around the venue as heated exchanges between opposing factions momentarily threatened to derail proceedings.
Turaki secured the position after his sole remaining challenger, Lado Danmarke, the PDP’s 2023 governorship candidate in Katsina, withdrew shortly before voting began. The legal expert went on to secure 1,516 delegate votes to assume leadership of Nigeria’s main opposition party.
Senator Ben Obi, a former lawmaker who represented Anambra Central, declared Turaki’s victory and formally introduced him as the new National Chairman of the PDP on Saturday night.
Here is the national chairman’s profile as presented by Punch Online:
Professional and Legal Background
Turaki is a seasoned legal practitioner with expertise spanning constitutional law, election petitions, commercial arbitration, international criminal and cross-border law, intellectual property, oil and gas, and corporate mergers and acquisitions. He is also a Notary Public.
He has earned several professional distinctions, including FCIArb (Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators) and FCIDA (Fellow, Institute of Corporate Administration), underscoring his leadership and reputation in the legal community.
Political Experience and Service
Over the years, Turaki has served in prominent public roles such as:
- Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs
- Supervising Minister of Labour and Productivity
He currently presides over the PDP Former Ministers’ Forum, a platform that connects him to various influential members of the party’s structure.
His political journey includes contests for the governorship of Kebbi State and a bid for the PDP’s presidential ticket, further cementing his longstanding commitment to national politics.
Personal Background and Character
Born on April 3, 1957, in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Turaki comes from a family known for its contributions to public service and intellectual pursuit.
He holds traditional titles such as Dan Masanin Gwandu and Zarumman Kabbi, badges of honour that signal his stature in society.
Admired for his modest demeanour and loyalty, Turaki has built a reputation for staying true to the party during difficult phases, earning him respect as a figure of stability and principle.
With his emergence as National Chairman, the PDP appears to be leaning on experience and legal insight to navigate its path ahead in Nigeria’s shifting political landscape.