The newly elected Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kabiru Turaki, has assured party members and supporters that his leadership will usher in reforms aimed at restoring internal democracy and ending impunity within the party.
In his acceptance speech on Saturday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Turaki acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with his new role but expressed confidence in the party’s leadership structure.
“The cross you have given us means that you watch us also take it to the Nigerian people, and that we shall do. We are not under any illusion that the task placed on us is a simple one. Our party is at a crossroads now, but we are up to the task; we are up to the challenge,” he said.
The former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs revealed that the new executive would soon unveil its operational blueprint to guide its leadership.
He said, “Very soon, we shall be rolling out what our guiding principles will be and the modus operandi for achieving them. When we do that, we shall be hitting the ground running from day one.”
Turaki further pledged not to take the mandate given to him for granted, stressing that the PDP remains rooted in the will of the people.
“Today, as I talk to you, the only political party that has retained its name is the Peoples Democratic Party. This has been possible because this is the party of the Nigerian people. Make no mistake about it; we are returning the party to you, the people. There will be no more impunity,” he said.
PUNCH Online earlier reported that Turaki emerged victorious at the party’s national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where delegates from 17 states gathered to elect new national officers.
The former minister secured 1,516 votes in the election conducted at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
A former Anambra Central Senator, Ben Obi, who supervised the exercise, announced that Senator Yakubu Danmarke finished second with 275 votes.
He also announced that the former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Taofeek Arapaja, emerged as the party’s National Secretary.
The Punch
