Babangida also applauded the PDP leadership for identifying with Niger State during its “most difficult” period.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigeria’s former military ruler, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), has offered tips to the new factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki, on how to rebuild the major opposition party and correct its past mistakes.
He gave the advice at his Hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State capital, when Turaki and selected members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) paid him a courtesy visit.
The discussions during the parley reportedly focused on party renewal, national stability, and the need for strengthened political structures nationwide ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While addressing the PDP chieftains, Babangida said that to reposition the party as a stabilising force in Nigeria, the new chairman must prioritise tact, broad consultation, and inclusive leadership as he begins rebuilding the party.
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The ex-Head of State also applauded the party leadership for identifying with the government and people of Niger State during what he described as one of their ‘most difficult’ periods, while reaffirming the PDP’s deep national roots.
He added that the PDP remained the most structurally grounded political organisation in the country, recalling his own past attempt to institutionalise a two-party system, which was resisted by the political class.
Babangida told Turaki: “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.”
Responding, Turaki expressed gratitude for Babangida’s consistent goodwill and guidance, promising that his party would continue to tap from his leadership experience and historical understanding of Nigeria’s political evolution.
