Sorting of ballots is underway at the ongoing elective national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan, following the conclusion of voting at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, on Saturday night.
Voting, which commenced around 7:10 p.m., ended at about 9:30 p.m. after delegates from nearly 30 states had cast their ballots. As officials began sorting the votes, early indications showed that the exercise was largely a formality, with most key national offices being contested unopposed.
Party insiders confirmed that the majority of positions on the ballot had only one candidate each, reflecting a pre-convention consensus and a push by stakeholders to avoid internal clashes at a time the PDP is grappling with major internal controversies. The position of National Youth Leader, however, was stepped down and did not proceed to voting.
Expectedly, former Minister Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki is poised to emerge as the next National Chairman of the party, having run without opposition. Similarly, former Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, is set to clinch the position of National Secretary unchallenged.
With sorting progressing smoothly, officials say the final announcement of winners is expected at any moment, formally confirming the predominantly unopposed lineup that is set to steer the party’s national leadership.
