Nigeria’s Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, has met with the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, as the party intensifies efforts to reposition itself ahead of the 2027 general election.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, PDP National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), said the visit was to formally introduce members of the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) to the former president and brief him on the state of the party.
“We came this evening to visit one of our very important leaders, former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR.
“We briefed him on what we have been doing since our election at the National Convention held in Ibadan last November,” Turaki said.
The delegation included former governors, members of the Board of Trustees, founding fathers and mothers of the party, state chairmen, and former ministers.
Turaki said the leadership also sought Jonathan’s guidance and support, adding that the former president reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP.
“He assured us that he remains a card-carrying and active member of the PDP and that he will be even more active in party affairs.
“He also said PDP has done everything that can be done for an individual and that he remains obligated to the party,” Turaki stated.
He described Jonathan’s remarks as reassuring and encouraging, especially as the party prepares for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections and the 2027 general election.
He maintained that the PDP remains Nigeria’s strongest opposition party.
“I want to assure members of the public and the PDP family that PDP remains the most veritable platform for winning elections in Nigeria.
“This leadership is taking the party back to the people. There will be inclusivity, a level playing field, and no room for impunity,” he assured.
Legal Challenges and INEC Issues
Responding to questions on ongoing legal battles within the party, Turaki said Jonathan was fully briefed on the matters and remained confident in the PDP’s future.
“As a senior lawyer, I explained the issues before the courts and the prospects of the party,” he said.
“Despite these challenges, he still believes PDP is the party for Nigerians.”
On allegations that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had not recognised PDP candidates in Ekiti and Osun states, Turaki dismissed such claims.
“We do not have any problem with recognition by INEC,” he said.
He explained that INEC monitored PDP primaries in both states, issued reports, and provided access for uploading candidate details.
“INEC attended, monitored, and wrote reports for both Ekiti and Osun primaries. So, there is no basis to assume that INEC has not recognized this leadership,” Turaki noted.
However, he expressed concern over actions that may cast doubt on the independence of the electoral body.
Reconciliation and Political Solutions
Addressing calls for political solutions to the PDP crisis, Turaki said not all political disagreements should be resolved in court.
“It is not every political disagreement that should be taken to court. However, the party was sued in these cases, and we have an obligation to defend ourselves,” he said.
He added that the PDP leadership remains open to reconciliation after the conclusion of court cases.
“Those who show genuine remorse and are willing to be loyal party members will be carried along. We will reconcile and move forward as one big PDP family,” Turaki furthered.
When asked to disclose former President Jonathan’s recommendations for resolving the crisis, Turaki declined saying: “The recommendations are vast, you would not expect me to disclose them publicly, as doing so would give advantage to our opponents.”