PDP Settles Internal Tensions as 27 State Chairmen Pledge Full Support to Turaki-Led NWC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) saw a significant easing of internal tensions on Wednesday after state chairmen from across the country reaffirmed their full loyalty to the National Working Committee (NWC) headed by National Chairman, Dr. Tanimu Turaki, SAN — a move viewed as a major step toward consolidating the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

The show of solidarity came during an interactive meeting between the recently inaugurated NWC and the Forum of State Chairmen at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. The session focused on assessing the party’s challenges, opportunities, and strategic direction.

Dr. Turaki and Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the PDP State Chairmen’s Forum and leader of the Edo State chapter, both addressed the gathering.

Speaking on behalf of chairmen from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Aziegbemi declared:
“We are here today to send a clear message: We are solidly behind the Tanimu Turaki-led PDP NWC. We acknowledge the challenges, but more importantly, we see the unwavering dedication of the NWC to upholding the party’s constitution and preparing us for future electoral victories.”

The Forum denounced efforts to destabilise the PDP and urged stakeholders to allow party organs to function without interference. Aziegbemi stressed that the party must remain focused on Nigerians, praising the NWC for initiating early programmes to strengthen internal structures and ensure adherence to the PDP constitution in upcoming congresses.

In his remarks, Turaki said the attendance of 27 state chairmen — with apologies from two and efforts underway to reconstitute dissolved chapters — proved that those claiming leadership of “factions” within the PDP lacked legitimacy.

“If all the state chairmen are here with us, then who is it that is not with us? If all the state chairmen are supporting us, then who, sincerely speaking, can be fighting us?” he asked.

Describing the chairmen as the party’s equivalent of “General Officers Commanding,” Turaki noted that the PDP remains the only political party with verified presence in every ward, local government, and unit across Nigeria.

He thanked the chairmen for their role in the Ibadan elective convention and for being the first organised group to congratulate the new NWC. Calling the meeting a strategic early intervention, he said the goal was to foster honest dialogue and map out necessary steps for rebuilding and stabilising the party.

“Unless we talk to ourselves freely and honestly, then we will not be able to achieve results within the shortest possible time. This new leadership means business, and business we shall do,” Turaki said.

He also criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of unraveling achievements recorded under 16 years of PDP governance. According to him, Nigerians were becoming nostalgic for the pre-2015 era.

“Whenever Nigerians speak, they beg: if you can take us anywhere further, please take us back to where we were in 2015,” he noted.

The meeting ended with a renewed pledge of loyalty to the Turaki-led NWC, as the chairmen committed to working collectively to reposition the PDP as a strong opposition force ahead of 2027.

A total of 27 state chairmen, including the FCT chairman, were present.

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