The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tanimu Turaki, visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday. The high-profile meeting took place at Obasanjo’s Presidential Library residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Sources confirmed that Turaki and Obasanjo held discussions behind closed doors. While specific details remain undisclosed, the visit is widely believed to address recent developments within the main opposition party. The PDP currently faces several internal challenges.
Turaki arrived with several prominent party members. These included former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu and ex-Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang. Former Oyo State Deputy Governor Taofeek Arapaja was also part of the delegation.
Obasanjo, a respected elder statesman, holds significant influence within the party. Meetings at his Abeokuta residence often attract national attention. This is especially true during critical periods for the PDP.
Turaki Addresses Wike’s Expulsion and Rivers Assembly Defections
In a related development, Turaki recently spoke about the expulsion of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike. He also addressed Wike’s loyalists from the party. Despite the expulsion, Turaki still considers the former Rivers State Governor a friend.
Turaki shared these insights during an interview. He appeared on the Nigeria Right Now Show, hosted by Dickson Iregbu. He also revealed the PDP has formed a strong legal team. Its goal is to reclaim the mandates of 16 Rivers State House of Assembly members. These members recently defected from the party.
The PDP Chairman emphasized his loyalty to friends. However, he drew a clear line regarding Wike’s party status. Turaki noted that decisions made by the National Convention, the party’s highest organ, are final.
“For me, I honestly don’t like speaking about personalities,” Turaki stated. “But the situation we find ourselves in now requires an exception. Barr Nyesom Wike is my friend, a very good friend. He has been my colleague. I don’t deny my friends. But he is no longer a member of the PDP.”
Turaki further added that only God could overturn the expulsion. He expressed regret that the expelled individuals chose to “hallucinate and deceive others” about their departure from the party.
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