PDP faction pledges to reclaim Osun, Ekiti after meeting with Obasanjo

Taminu Turaki in a handshake with Olusegun Obasanjo. Photo credit: Channels TV

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A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, led by Chairman Taminu Turaki, has revealed that its recent meeting with 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 the nation’s political landscape.

The visit follows tensions within the party, with the Wike-led National Executive Committee (NEC) accusing Turaki’s faction of violating court judgments by conducting what it termed an “illegal convention” in Ibadan that elected Turaki as factional chairman.

Turaki, accompanied by former governors Alhaji Muazu Babangida Aliyu (Niger) and Sen. Jonah Jang (Plateau), former Senate President Sen. Adolphus Wabara, and PDP National Secretary Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja, arrived at Obasanjo’s residence in the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, on Saturday.

They were received by Ogun State PDP Chairman Hon. Abayomi Tella and other senior officials before holding a closed-door session.

Speaking with newsmen after the meeting, Turaki said the objective was to formally introduce the newly elected leadership to Obasanjo and draw on his 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.

“The former Senate President and BOT Chairman of our great party, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, is here. Likewise, our National Secretary, Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja, and two former governors of Niger and Plateau States, Alhaji Muazu Babangida Aliyu and Sen. Jonah Jang, are also part of the entourage,” he said.

He added, “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 also 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.”

Turaki used a proverb to highlight the importance of learning from experience, saying, “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.”

He emphasised the party’s readiness for upcoming elections: “PDP is battle-ready for 2027. As a mark of readiness, we shall first reclaim Ekiti State, followed by Osun State.

“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.”

Turaki also called for unity within the party, saying, “The advice I give PDP members globally is that 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. The equation has changed, and PDP is prepared to send them packing in 2027.”

Ogun State PDP Chairman Tella described the meeting as a “new dawn” for the party. “Party members are happy, our hope is rekindled. The era of past shenanigans is over. It is a new dawn, and we are all ready,” he said.

Commenting on the 2027 elections, Tella said, “It will be the people versus political parties. Whether it’s APC or PDP, the people of Ogun State have tasted water and palm oil, and they understand the difference. With the support of the people, PDP will get the mantle of leadership in 2027. Everyone is tired of this government, and we are battle-ready.”

He concluded with a warning to political rivals: “What happened in 2023 will not repeat itself. What happened during the Remo Federal Constituency by-election in August will not repeat. We are all indigenes and residents of this state, and we have the right to vote and be voted for. No one can stop us from exercising that right in 2027.”

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