The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tanimu Turaki, on Saturday led a delegation of top party leaders on a courtesy visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his penthouse residence within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library complex in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Turaki was accompanied by several prominent figures within the party, including a former governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu; the party’s Deputy National Chairman, Taofeek Arapaja; a former governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang; and Ambassador Folake Marcus-Bello, among others. The delegation was received by the Ogun State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Abayomi Tella, alongside other senior party stakeholders in the state, after which they held a closed-door meeting with the former president.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, which lasted about 40 minutes, Turaki explained that the newly elected leadership of the party considered it important to consult Obasanjo for guidance, support, and direction as they prepare for the responsibilities ahead. He described Obasanjo as a respected elder statesman and former PDP president whose commitment to institution-building has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s democratic development.
Turaki, who emerged as the factional national chairman of the PDP at the party’s recent convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, said the visit was aimed at tapping into Obasanjo’s vast experience. According to him, the new leadership believed it was necessary to seek the former president’s wisdom, blessings, and encouragement to ensure the success of the party going forward.
He noted that while the task of unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 may be challenging, the discussions with Obasanjo had boosted the confidence of the PDP leadership. Turaki said the interaction reinforced their belief that reclaiming power is achievable with the right strategy, unity, and determination.
The PDP chairman emphasized that the visit was also an opportunity to formally introduce the new leadership to Obasanjo and to acknowledge his contributions to democracy, good governance, and the establishment of strong institutions that Nigeria continues to benefit from. He added that drawing inspiration and counsel from experienced leaders like Obasanjo was crucial if the party must succeed in the demanding assignment before it.
Turaki further declared that the PDP is fully prepared for the 2027 general elections, stressing that the party’s readiness would soon be demonstrated through victories in the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States. According to him, success in those states would send a clear message that the PDP is resurging and ready to challenge the APC’s hold on power.
Later, while addressing party members at the state secretariat, Turaki called on PDP supporters across the country to rally behind the new leadership. He assured members that internal impunity and misconduct would no longer be tolerated, adding that party faithful would be free to support candidates of their choice during elections.
Other party leaders, including the National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja, and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, also urged members to remain united and intensify grassroots mobilisation in preparation for 2027, with a shared commitment to returning the party to power and restoring good governance.
In his remarks, Ogun State PDP Chairman Abayomi Tella expressed excitement over hosting the party’s national leadership, noting that members were encouraged by the visit. He said the atmosphere within the party had changed positively, describing it as the beginning of a new era.
Tella maintained that the PDP is determined to defeat the APC in the 2027 elections, warning that intimidation and harassment of voters would not be tolerated. He stressed that the election would ultimately be driven by the will of the people, who he said are dissatisfied with poor governance and mismanagement.
According to him, the people of Ogun State are prepared to assert their democratic rights, insisting that past electoral irregularities would not be repeated. He concluded by affirming that residents have the right to freely choose their leaders and that any attempt to suppress voters would be firmly resisted ahead of the 2027 polls.