The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, has reiterated the party’s commitment to reclaiming power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a meeting with state chairmen from 29 states, Turaki expressed the party’s determination to reverse the damage he believes the APC has done to Nigeria, particularly in relation to the progress made during the PDP’s 16 years in power from 1999 to 2015. He described the APC leadership as “inept,” claiming that under their governance, Nigeria has regressed.

“We are on a new mission to reclaim Nigeria from the APC leadership, which has not only taken us backward but also shattered the progress we made in the past. Nigerians are pleading for the return of PDP leadership. They are begging us to take them back to where we were in 2015, but we are not just going back—we are going forward, to the Promised Land,” Turaki said.

He emphasized that the party was listening to the concerns of Nigerians and vowed that, with God’s grace, the PDP would reclaim power in 2027, and then embark on rebuilding the country.

The PDP’s Strategic Focus

Turaki also addressed the leadership crisis within the PDP, dismissing any factional claims and asserting the legitimacy of his leadership. He pointed out that all 29 state chairmen were present at the meeting, a sign of unity within the party. “The people who claim to be in a faction are not part of us; the true leaders are here today,” Turaki stated, reinforcing his position as the legitimate leader of the party.

Reflecting on his swearing-in, Turaki reiterated his promise to make the party more people-centric. “We will take the party back to the people because, unlike others, PDP believes in grassroots participation. We are the only party with a presence in every ward, local government, and unit across the country,” he added.

Engaging Party Leaders for the Future

He also emphasized the importance of collaboration with state chairmen in executing the party’s programs. The national chairman noted that the support from the Forum of State Chairmen was crucial to the party’s success. He thanked the state chairmen for their support during his election and pledged to work closely with them to address any challenges faced by the party at the grassroots level.

Turaki acknowledged the importance of these leaders’ feedback, especially in shaping the party’s agenda for the 2027 elections. He called for their guidance and feedback on how the PDP can better serve the expectations of Nigerians and party members.

“This meeting is not just about house-keeping; it is an opportunity for us to discuss the challenges, understand the expectations of Nigerians, and come up with a practical plan to rescue Nigeria,” he said.

Looking Forward

Turaki concluded his remarks by reaffirming the PDP’s readiness for the upcoming electoral challenge, noting that the party would build on its past achievements to present a formidable alternative to the APC in the 2027 election.