PDP Chairman Turaki Urges Intentional Voting, Celebrates Bala Mohammed at 68 in Bauchi
Bauchi, Nigeria—October 5, 2026—The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Nigerian voters to make deliberate, principle-driven choices at the next general elections, rejecting inducements such as food or cash in favour of candidates capable of delivering quality representation and national development.
The charge came from the National Chairman of the party’s Interim National Working Committee, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, during his address at the 2nd Bala Mohammed Colloquium held in Bauchi to mark the 68th birthday anniversary of Governor Bala Mohammed.
“A Country Has the Leaders It Deserves”
Turaki reminded the audience that citizens ultimately determine the quality of their leadership. “It is often said that a country has the leaders it deserves. That is true because they don’t become leaders except we choose them or acquiesce to their emergence,” he said.
He criticized those who either actively support poor candidates or stay away from the polls, thereby enabling weak leadership.
“We must not vote in exchange for spaghetti, rice, money, or any other inducements. We must vote according to the capacity of the candidates to offer quality representation and contribute to national development.”
The PDP chairman contrasted past legislators who provided effective oversight with what he described as the current “rubber stamp legislature.” A weak National Assembly, he argued, undermines checks and balances essential to democracy.
Youth Must Be Real Stakeholders, Not Decoration
Turaki placed strong emphasis on meaningful youth participation in politics and governance. “Young people must be consciously engaged in the process of politics and governance as integral parts of the process and not just as a decoration or a statistic to look good,” he stated.
He questioned the long-standing slogan that youths are “leaders of tomorrow,” asking when that tomorrow would arrive. “Young people are the greatest stakeholders of the future, and that future cannot be discussed or planned in their absence.”
The chairman specifically praised Governor Bala Mohammed for prioritizing youth inclusion in his administration, including in the choice of his preferred successor.
“We cannot keep leaving the owners of the future out of the room when we are planning the future,” Turaki added.
Celebrating Governor Bala Mohammed
The colloquium served as both a policy discussion platform and a birthday celebration for the Bauchi State governor, who turned 68.
Turaki used the occasion to commend the organizers for creating space for reflection on Nigeria’s past and planning for its future.
The official statement was signed by Comrade Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP’s Interim National Working Committee.
Broader Context Ahead of 2027
The remarks come as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections. Turaki’s message aligns with ongoing PDP efforts to position the party as a credible alternative focused on accountability, stronger legislative oversight, and inclusive governance.
As Nigerians prepare for the next electoral cycle, the PDP chairman’s call places the responsibility for better leadership squarely on the electorate—urging them to prioritize capacity and integrity over short-term inducements.
*This report is based on the official PDP news release issued on October 5, 2026.*
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