The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday intensified efforts to resolve its lingering leadership crisis by holding a closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in Abuja.
The high-level meeting took place at Jonathan’s Maitama office in the Federal Capital Territory and was attended by members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), state party chairmen, former governors, members of the Board of Trustees, founding fathers and mothers of the party, former ministers, and other key stakeholders.
The consultation comes amid deepening internal divisions within the party, as two rival factions continue to lay claim to the position of national chairman. While Abdulrahman Mohammed is backed by a camp loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Taminu Turaki is supported by factions aligned with Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Taminu Turaki explained that the visit was aimed at consulting the former president for guidance and formally introducing members of the newly constituted National Working Committee, elected at the party’s national convention held in November 2025.
“We came to see former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, first to introduce members of the newly elected National Working Committee to him, and then to brief him on what we have been doing since our election,” Turaki said.
According to him, Jonathan offered words of encouragement and reaffirmed his loyalty to the party.
“He assured us that he remains a card-carrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party, is still active, and will be even more active in the affairs of the PDP,” Turaki stated.
He added that Jonathan’s remarks were reassuring as the party prepares for off-season elections, including the Ekiti governorship election, as well as the 2027 general elections.
Turaki acknowledged the legal challenges currently confronting the party but maintained that they would not derail efforts to reposition the PDP as a strong opposition platform.
“Part of the challenge is the legal battles we are facing. Notwithstanding these issues, he still believes, just like all of us do, that the PDP remains the party of choice for Nigerians,” he said.
He also stated that the party complied with all legal requirements during its primaries, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the processes in Ekiti and Osun States. However, he expressed concerns over what he described as actions by the electoral body that could undermine public confidence in its independence.
On reconciliation efforts within the party, Turaki said unity remains the ultimate goal once legal disputes are resolved.
“I am one of those who believe that not every political disagreement should end up in court,” he said, adding that aggrieved members would be welcomed back if they demonstrate genuine commitment to party unity.
While declining to disclose the details of Jonathan’s advice, Turaki confirmed that the former president’s counsel would play a significant role in shaping the party’s roadmap going forward.
