‘Soldier On’: Obasanjo Hosts Turaki-led PDP Faction in Abeokuta
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to “soldier on” amidst the party’s ongoing internal crisis.
Obasanjo gave the charge on Saturday when he hosted the faction’s National Working Committee (NWC) at his residence within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The delegation, led by Turaki, included prominent party figures such as former Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, former Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, and PDP Deputy National Chairman Taofeek Arapaja.
Speaking during the visit, Obasanjo commended the efforts of the faction and encouraged them to remain steadfast.
He emphasized the importance of discipline within political organizations, stating, “Anybody who wants to belong to a political party must adhere strictly to its rules and regulations”.
The visit comes against the backdrop of a deepening leadership tussle within the PDP. The party recently split into factions following the expiration of the tenure of the NWC elected in 2021.
The Turaki-led faction, backed by PDP governors including Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and Seyi Makinde of Oyo, emerged in November after a convention, while a rival group led by Umar Damagum continues to claim legitimacy.
Turaki stated that the visit was to consult with the former president and tap into his wealth of experience, despite Obasanjo’s well-known stance of having retired from partisan politics.
The meeting was held behind closed doors, but the former president’s public remarks signal a nod of encouragement to the Turaki leadership as they navigate the party’s turbulent waters.
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