** Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN** is a distinguished Nigerian lawyer, arbitrator, statesman, and political leader renowned for his contributions to law, public administration, and national politics. Over the years, he has risen to become one of the most respected voices in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a symbol of loyalty, integrity, and reform.
Early Life and Background
Kabiru Tanimu Turaki was born on April 3, 1957, in the Nasarawa area of Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. He hails from a respected family rooted in scholarship, community service, and traditional leadership. His upbringing instilled in him strong values of discipline, humility, and a commitment to the public good.
Turaki holds several revered traditional titles, including Dan Masanin Gwandu and Zarumman Kabbi, which reflect his standing within cultural and traditional institutions.
Education
Turaki studied law at the University of Jos, Plateau State, where he obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B). He proceeded to the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, and was called to the Nigerian Bar.
A lifelong learner and legal professional, he holds multiple fellowships and honorary certifications, including:
- Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)
- Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb)
- Fellow, Institute of Corporate Administration
- Fellow, International Institute of Chartered Arbitrators
He has also attended several international legal and leadership programmes across Europe, America, and Africa.
Legal Career
Turaki is one of Nigeria’s finest legal minds, with experience spanning:
- Constitutional law
- Election petition litigation
- Commercial arbitration
- International criminal law
- Intellectual property
- Oil and gas law
- Corporate mergers and acquisitions
He is a Notary Public and principal partner at K.T. Turaki & Co. Solicitors & Advocates, a respected law firm offering services to governments, corporations, financial institutions, embassies, and global organizations.
His exceptional performance at the bar earned him the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the highest honour in the legal profession.
Political Career
Kabiru Turaki’s political journey is marked by service, loyalty, and leadership within the PDP.
Ministerial Career
He served Nigeria in various capacities, including:
- Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs
- Supervising Minister of Labour and Productivity
In these roles, he coordinated intergovernmental functions, national assignments, and labour-related responsibilities during a pivotal period in Nigeria’s democratic development.
Electoral Aspirations
- He contested the 2011 governorship election in Kebbi State.
- In 2019, he vied for the PDP presidential ticket, presenting a vision centred on national unity, economic reform, and institutional rebuilding.
Party Leadership
Turaki has remained one of the PDP’s strongest pillars:
- Chairman, PDP Former Ministers’ Forum
- Member, PDP Board of Trustees
- Long-standing advocate for internal democracy, party digitalization, youth inclusion, and structural reform.
His refusal to defect from the PDP despite turbulent political seasons has earned him admiration as a symbol of consistency and loyalty.
National Chairman, PDP
In 2025, after widespread consultations and adoption by key regional blocs, Turaki emerged as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, leading the main opposition party into a new era of reorganization and rebuilding.
Personal Life
Kabiru Tanimu Turaki is married and blessed with children. Outside the courtroom and political arena, he enjoys reading, travel, and basketball. He maintains a calm, reflective demeanour and is known for his generosity, mentorship, and strong family values.
Legacy and Influence
Over the decades, Turaki has built a reputation as:
- A bridge-builder between political blocs
- A firm believer in justice, equity, and national unity
- A legal luminary with significant contributions to Nigeria’s jurisprudence
- A party statesman committed to the revival and modernization of the PDP
His leadership combines experience, intellect, diplomacy, and an unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
