The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday sought the counsel of former President Goodluck Jonathan amidst the escalating leadership crisis rocking the opposition party. Party leaders, including members of the National Working Committee (NWC), convened a closed-door meeting with Jonathan in Abuja to seek reassurance and guidance on how to navigate the turbulent waters of internal disputes.
The meeting, which took place at Jonathan’s office in Maitama, Federal Capital Territory, saw the attendance of key party figures, including state PDP chairmen, former governors, members of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Founding Fathers and Founding Mothers Forum, former ministers, and senior party officials.
Discussions centered on the state of the PDP, the ongoing leadership feud, efforts to reposition the party ahead of upcoming elections, and broader national political concerns. The leadership crisis has deepened, with two factions vying for control of the party’s chairmanship position. Abdulrahman Mohammed is backed by a camp loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, while Taminu Turaki has support from factions aligned with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
After the meeting, Turaki briefed journalists, explaining that the delegation’s primary purpose was to introduce the newly elected NWC members to Jonathan and update him on the party’s activities following the National Convention in November. Turaki added that the meeting allowed them to discuss the party’s challenges, prospects, and future plans.
“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 at the National Convention held last November,” Turaki explained.
He further noted that Jonathan reassured the delegation that he is still an active card-carrying member of the PDP and expressed his commitment to becoming even more involved in the party’s activities. Jonathan’s remarks were said to be encouraging and offered optimism for the party as it prepares for off-season elections in Ekiti and the general elections in 2027.
“He assured us that he is still a card-carrying member of the PDP, remains active, and will be even more active in the activities and affairs of the PDP,” Turaki said.
Party’s Legal Struggles and INEC Concerns
Addressing concerns over ongoing legal challenges faced by the PDP, Turaki revealed that Jonathan was briefed on the legal battles currently in play, many of which involve suits filed against the party. Despite these challenges, Jonathan reportedly remained confident in the PDP’s ability to overcome them and remain the foremost political platform in Nigeria.
“Notwithstanding these issues, he (Jonathan) still believes, just like all of us do, that the PDP is the party for Nigerians,” Turaki emphasized.
On the issue of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Turaki assured the public that the PDP had adhered to all statutory requirements, and that the INEC had observed the party’s primaries in Ekiti and Osun states. However, he raised concerns about recent actions by the electoral body, which he believes could raise doubts about its independence.
Reconciliation and Unity Within the Party
Turaki also touched on the ongoing calls for political resolution of the PDP’s internal crisis, stressing that while the party remains committed to reconciliation, it would await the conclusion of legal matters before pursuing a full reintegration of aggrieved members. He maintained that not all political disagreements should be settled through the courts.
“I am one of those who believe that not every political disagreement should go to court,” he said.
Although Turaki refrained from revealing specific recommendations made by Jonathan during the meeting, he assured that the former president’s advice would guide the party’s next steps in its efforts to resolve the crisis.
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