Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), has dismissed claims of a faction within the party, insisting the PDP remains united under its current National Working Committee (NWC).
Turaki made the comment on Wednesday during a meeting with PDP state chairmen in Abuja, which recorded the attendance of 29 chairmen, while two others sent apologies.
The chairman’s remarks follow renewed claims by allies of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike — including Mohammed Abdulrahman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu — who insist they remain the party’s Acting National Chairman and Acting National Secretary. The duo also announced a 60-day caretaker committee over the weekend.
Their position contrasts sharply with the decisions of PDP governors, who supported the Ibadan convention where Turaki and members of the NWC were elected on November 16 for four-year terms. Former Acting Chairman Umar Damagum handed over to Turaki ahead of the expiration of his tenure on December 9.
Turaki maintained that the NWC enjoys full backing of the party structure, noting that the presence of 29 state chairmen affirms the legitimacy of the leadership.
“With 29 state chairmen sitting with us, and apologies from two others, tell me who is not here,” Turaki said. “These are known faces and veterans. As far as the PDP is concerned, this speaks for itself. People now know where the leadership of the PDP is.”
He added that some individuals claiming to lead a faction “are not recognised as members of our party.”
Turaki assured that the NWC under his leadership will return the party to its grassroots base and prepare for the 2027 general election. He criticised the All Progressives Congress, saying it has taken Nigeria “backwards” and undone the gains recorded under previous PDP administrations.
“We will take over power in 2027 by the special grace of God,” Turaki said. “Thereafter, we will begin the journey to taking Nigeria to the promised land. It is possible, it is doable; we’ve done it before, and we’re going to do it again.”