Forum of Oyo LG Chairmen Praise Turaki’s Election, Urge Unity and Discipline in PDP

The Forum of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State has congratulated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman‑elect, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, on his victory at the party’s national convention held Saturday in Ibadan. 

Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), won the election at the main bowl of Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, where delegates from across the federation gathered to elect members of the PDP’s National Working Committee.

In a statement signed by the Forum Chairman Hon. Sikiru Sanda and released by Public Relations Officer Hon. Ibrahim Akintayo, the Oyo LG chairmen urged Turaki to use his leadership to initiate reforms that restore internal democracy and curb impunity within the party. 

They acknowledged the magnitude of his new responsibility but expressed confidence in the party’s renewed direction.

The Forum called on Turaki to “hit the ground running” and avoid distractors such as former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, and their allies, who they said have been a “spanner in the wheel” for the PDP, dragging the party into needless crises aimed at keeping the non‑performing Tinubu‑led administration in power.

> “We call on the new national chairman to hit the ground running and avoid distractors like former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, Ayo Fayose, and their cohorts, who have been a spanner in the wheel for the party… His election is a true reflection of the resilience and commitment of PDP governors, stakeholders and members across the states. The responsibility placed on Turaki is to go out with his new executive and restore the party’s glory.”

The statement added: “It is equally important for the new National Chairman to see himself as a pacifier and unifier and, as a matter of urgency, reach out to PDP members who have aligned with the coalition, joined other parties, and encourage their return to the PDP.”

The Forum praised the peaceful and orderly conduct of delegates and stakeholders throughout the convention, describing it as a sign of the party’s readiness for genuine reconciliation and restructuring.

The LG chairmen also endorsed the expulsion of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike; former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose; PDP National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu; National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade; and seven other prominent party leaders for alleged anti‑party activities. Hon. Akintayo noted that the motion for their expulsion, moved by PDP founding father Chief Bode George and seconded by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, was long overdue and would serve as a warning to anyone poised to derail party unity.

The Forum said the decision would strengthen party discipline and reaffirm the PDP’s identity as the only political party in Nigeria that has consistently upheld its original ideological foundation since its inception. It described the expulsions as a welcome development and an important step toward placing the party on the right path, restoring internal cohesion, and positioning it for electoral victory.

Finally, the Forum called for dedication and unwavering support from party members across the states, assured members that better days lie ahead, and promised that loyalists will reap the benefits when the tides turn in the PDP’s favour.