The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held a contentious National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday, marked by significant internal upheavals, including the election of new national officers, the expulsion of prominent members, and the dissolution of party structures in several states. These actions unfolded despite multiple court rulings attempting to halt the event and the notable absence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

A major highlight of the convention was the election of Kabiru Turaki (SAN) as the new National Chairman of the PDP. Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs from Kebbi State, secured 1,516 votes, defeating his opponent, Lado Danmarke, who garnered 275 votes, although Danmarke had reportedly withdrawn from the race earlier. Turaki brings a wealth of experience, being a respected legal practitioner with expertise spanning constitutional law, election petitions, and international criminal law. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the Institute of Corporate Administration, and currently chairs the PDP Former Ministers’ Forum. His extensive political engagement includes contesting both the Kebbi State governorship and the party’s presidential ticket. Alongside Turaki, Ambassador Taofeek Oladejo Arapaja from Oyo State emerged as the National Secretary.

In a drastic move aimed at restoring internal discipline and unity ahead of the 2027 general elections, the PDP announced the expulsion of several high-profile members. Among those expelled were the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose; factional National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN); Hon. Austin Nwachukwu; National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade (SAN); Umar Bature; AbdulRahman Mohammed; Mao Ohuambuwa; George Turner; Abraham Ammah; and Dan Orbih. These individuals were sanctioned over allegations of persistent anti-party activities. The motion for their expulsion was moved by Chief Olabode George, one of the party's founding fathers, and seconded by Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed, receiving overwhelming ratification from delegates.

Further intensifying the internal restructuring, the convention also dissolved the entire party structures at the ward, local government, and state levels in Imo, Abia, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers states. This motion was presented by the host Governor, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and seconded by the party’s National Auditor, Daniel Obiechina Okechukwu. Governor Makinde explained that these actions were based on congresses held between 2024 and 2025 across the country, which were deemed to have been conducted in compliance with electoral laws and party guidelines, with the elected executive committees in other states and zones receiving ratification.

The convention itself was shrouded in controversy. Despite multiple court rulings, including one from an Abuja High Court, seeking to halt the exercise, party leaders insisted on proceeding. The absence of INEC from the event further fueled concerns about its legitimacy. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to Nyesom Wike, reacted with characteristic sarcasm, dismissing the expulsions as products of