Former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), has charged the newly elected National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, to remain steadfast, confront emerging challenges with courage, and reposition the party for peace, progress, and national stability.

General Babangida gave the advice when Turaki led a delegation of selected members of the National Working Committee (NWC) on a courtesy visit to his Hilltop residence in Minna. He commended the party leadership for deeming it fit to commiserate with the government and people of Niger State in what he described as one of their most difficult periods.

The former Head of State noted that the PDP remains the most deeply rooted political organisation in the country, with structures spread across all nooks and crannies of Nigeria. He recalled that his earlier attempt to institutionalise a two-party system was resisted by the political class, a development which, according to him, underscored the enduring relevance of political parties and their grassroots foundations.

Drawing from his experience in leadership, he urged Turaki to prioritise tact, inclusiveness, and wide consultation as he begins the task of rebuilding the party. “While you spoke earlier, you admitted that the party made mistakes and has already set machinery in motion to correct them. I urge you to use tact, seek people’s opinions, and work towards building a peaceful and progressive party. You have the capacity to do it, and I wish you well,” IBB said.

To emphasise the importance of party structures, he shared an anecdote about a military administrator he once appointed in Niger State who met a resident who was unaware that a military government was in place, insisting that his knowledge stopped at President Shehu Shagari and the then-ruling NPN. Babangida said the story illustrated how deeply political parties take root in the consciousness of communities.

Earlier, the PDP National Chairman thanked General Babangida for his consistent support and goodwill. Turaki explained that the party had originally planned a special visit of appreciation to the former President, but the recent abductions in Niger State made it appropriate to “kill two birds with one stone” by combining the condolence visit with the courtesy call. He appealed to the elder statesman to continue offering guidance, citing his vast leadership experience and historical understanding of Nigeria’s political evolution.

Turaki assured that the NWC is committed to resetting the party on the right trajectory and transforming it into a formidable winning force ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A vote of thanks was delivered by former Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau who was part of the delegation. Also present in the meeting were the Deputy National Chairmen (North and South), the National Secretary, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, Chairman of the Kaduna State PDP, Edward Percy Masha, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Musa Bala from Kebbi State, some members of the NWC, Niger State PDP Working Committee, and the immediate past chairman of the Niger State chapter, Tanko Beji.