A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by its factional Chairman, Alhaji Taminu Turaki, has said its recent visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo was aimed at seeking guidance and support ahead of the 2026 governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti states, declaring that the party is “back and ready to take its rightful place” in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The visit comes amid deepening internal tensions within the PDP, following accusations by the Wike-led National Executive Committee (NEC) that Turaki’s group violated subsisting court judgments by conducting what it described as an “illegal convention” in Ibadan, where Turaki emerged as factional chairman.
Turaki led a high-powered delegation to Obasanjo’s residence at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Saturday. Members of the delegation included former governors Alhaji Muazu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State and Senator Jonah Jang of Plateau State, former Senate President and Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, as well as PDP National Secretary, Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja.
The delegation was received by the Ogun State PDP Chairman, Hon. Abayomi Tella, alongside other senior party officials, before proceeding into a closed-door meeting with the former president.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Turaki said the visit was meant to formally introduce the newly elected party leadership to Obasanjo and draw from his wealth of political experience.
“During our recent congress in Ibadan, we came to introduce ourselves to our father, former President under the PDP administration, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. I did not come alone,” Turaki said.
He explained that the delegation also used the opportunity to thank Obasanjo for his contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and institution-building while in office, as well as to seek his counsel on the challenges ahead.
“We 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,” he added.
Using a proverb to underline the importance of experience, Turaki said, “A woman who started cooking before you must definitely have more broken pots. We have come to see our father here in Abeokuta, and we have spoken to Baba, and Baba too has spoken to us. We are enriched.”
Turaki insisted the PDP was fully prepared for upcoming elections, starting with Osun and Ekiti states. “PDP is battle-ready for 2027. As a mark of readiness, we shall first reclaim Ekiti State, followed by Osun State,” he said.
“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.”
He also called for unity within the party, urging members to rally behind the factional leadership. “PDP is back and is ready to take its rightful place in the democratic process of the country. Since our convention in Ibadan, the APC is more worried than ever,” he said.
Ogun State PDP Chairman, Hon. Abayomi Tella, described the visit as signalling a “new dawn” for the party. He said members’ hopes had been rekindled and vowed that the PDP would be a major force in the 2027 general elections.
“It will be the people versus political parties. With the support of the people, PDP will get the mantle of leadership in 2027,” Tella said, adding that what occurred in previous elections would not be repeated.
The meeting has further highlighted the deepening divisions within the PDP, even as rival factions position themselves ahead of crucial elections in the coming years.
