IBB to PDP: Rebuild, Unite and Regain National Strength Ahead of 2027 Elections

Former Nigerian Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), has urged the newly appointed factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki, to prioritise rebuilding the party and restoring its influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Babangida delivered the message when Turaki, alongside members of the PDP National Working Committee, visited him at his Hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State. Their discussions focused on party renewal, national stability and the need to reinforce political structures across the country.

The former military president commended the PDP leadership for standing with the people of Niger State during what he described as a “difficult period,” reaffirming the party’s longstanding national reach. He described the PDP as one of Nigeria’s most deeply rooted political institutions, recalling his own struggles to establish a stable two-party system during his time in office.

Babangida encouraged Turaki to embrace broad consultation, caution and inclusive leadership as he begins steering the party toward recovery.

“You admitted the party made mistakes and has already begun correcting them,” he told Turaki. “Use tact, seek people’s opinions, and build a peaceful and progressive party. You have the capacity to do it, and I wish you well.”

He shared a personal anecdote of a military administrator he once appointed in Niger State, who met a resident unaware that the military had taken over government and still pledged loyalty to President Shehu Shagari and the then-ruling NPN.
According to Babangida, the incident underscored how deeply party structures resonate within local communities.

Responding, Turaki thanked the former leader for his consistent support and said the PDP would continue to draw from Babangida’s political wisdom.

“We are committed to resetting this party, strengthening its organs, and restoring its winning spirit ahead of 2027,” he said.

He explained that the visit was originally meant to be one of appreciation, but the recent abductions in Niger State compelled the delegation to merge it with a condolence call.