Drawing from his experience in statecraft and political engineering, Babangida urged Turaki to prioritise tact, broad consultation and inclusive leadership 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,” he said.
To highlight the enduring influence of party structures in Nigeria, the former Head of State narrated an incident involving a military administrator he once appointed in Niger State. According to him, the administrator encountered a resident who did not realise a military government was in place and insisted that his loyalty was still to President Shehu Shagari and the then-ruling NPN. Babangida said the episode illustrated how deeply political parties embed themselves in community consciousness.
In his response, Turaki expressed gratitude for Babangida’s consistent goodwill and guidance, saying the PDP would continue to draw from his leadership experience and historical understanding of Nigeria’s political evolution.
“We are committed to resetting this party, strengthening its organs and restoring its winning spirit ahead of 2027,” he said.
Sources at the meeting disclosed that Babangida further encouraged the NWC to maintain unity, rebuild trust within the party and stabilise its structures across the states in preparation for future elections.
A vote of thanks was delivered by former Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, who praised the former President for his continued statesmanship.
Other members of the delegation included the Deputy National Chairmen (North and South), the National Secretary, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, the Kaduna State PDP Chairman, Edward Percy Masha, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Musa Bala from Kebbi State, members of the NWC, the Niger State PDP Working Committee and the immediate past chairman of the state chapter, Tanko Beji.
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