New PDP leaders promise a positive reset as Kabiru Turaki takes charge, pledging fairness and reforms with the PDP positive reset agenda.
Immediate past National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Umar Iliya Damagum, on Tuesday formally transferred leadership documents to the newly elected National Working Committee at a handover ceremony following the party’s November 15 to 16 national convention in Ibadan.
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New National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki pledged a PDP positive reset aimed at returning the party to its grassroots supporters.
Kabiru Tanimu Turaki praised the outgoing leadership for preparing a detailed two-volume handover report, describing it as a vital guide for the committee’s next steps.
He said the documents will help the new leadership understand the context of the party’s recent challenges and chart a clearer direction for rebuilding trust among members.
Turaki reaffirmed the intention of the new NWC to run a transparent and people-centred administration.
He said the PDP has faced deliberate efforts to weaken its influence but insisted the party remains resilient.
According to him, democracy requires tolerance, and political competition should never involve attempts to eliminate legitimate contenders.
The chairman described the PDP as a party that historically overcame adversity and said the next four years would focus on strengthening internal democracy.
He emphasised fairness, a level playing field, and the removal of impunity as core principles of his leadership.
His remarks were delivered with a tone of determination that drew applause from party officials present.
Turaki also highlighted a symbolic gesture from the outgoing leadership, noting Damagum’s willingness to remain available for advice, which he described as an invaluable form of continuity.
He said the party would rely on this counsel as it seeks to reclaim national relevance.
In his response, Umar Iliya Damagum said the delayed handover was due to the need for accuracy and completeness in the documents.
He noted that the PDP has historically confronted obstacles with courage, pointing to the party’s record of outlasting political turbulence.
He warned that although the ruling All Progressives Congress continues to impose hurdles, the PDP has consistently demonstrated the ability to overcome them.
Damagum praised the resilience of party faithful across the country and said the PDP remains Nigeria’s most formidable opposition movement.
He expressed confidence that divine justice will prevail over political injustice and encouraged the new committee to remain steadfast.
The ceremony, attended by senior party officials and advisers, marked a renewed attempt to rebuild confidence ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.
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With members rallying around calls for unity, transparency, and reform, the leadership transition signalled a potentially powerful turning point for the party’s future.
