‎The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday sought the counsel of former President Goodluck Jonathan over its lingering leadership crisis, as members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) held a closed-door meeting with him in Abuja.
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‎The meeting, which took place at Jonathan’s office in Maitama, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was attended by members of the NWC, some state chairmen of the party, former governors, members of the Board of Trustees (BoT), representatives of the Founding Fathers and Founding Mothers Forum, former ministers and other senior party stakeholders.
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‎Discussions at the meeting focused on the state of the PDP, the internal leadership dispute, efforts to reposition the party, preparations for off-season governorship elections and other national political issues.
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‎The visit comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis in the party, with two factions laying claim to the position of national chairman. One faction backs Abdulrahman Mohammed, who is aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, while the other supports Mr Taminu Turaki, with the backing of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
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‎Briefing journalists after the meeting, Turaki said the delegation visited Jonathan to formally introduce members of the newly elected NWC and brief him on the party’s activities since the National Convention held in November 2025.
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‎“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 said.
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‎He said the delegation also briefed the former president on the state of the party, its challenges and prospects.
‎According to him, Jonathan reassured the delegation of his continued commitment to the PDP, describing himself as a card-carrying and active member of the party.
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‎“He assured us that he is still a card-carrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party, remains active, and will be even more active in the activities and affairs of the PDP,” Turaki said.
‎He added that Jonathan’s remarks were reassuring and encouraging as the party prepares for off-season elections, the Ekiti governorship election later this year and the 2027 general elections.
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‎Turaki said Jonathan expressed confidence in the PDP as a viable platform for winning elections in Nigeria.
‎“I want to assure members of the public, and indeed members of the PDP family, that the PDP remains the most viable platform for contesting and winning elections in Nigeria. We remain the leading opposition party in this country,” he quoted Jonathan as saying.
‎On the legal challenges facing the party, Turaki said Jonathan was briefed on the various court cases instituted against the PDP.
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‎“Part of the challenges are the legal battles we are facing. Notwithstanding these issues, he still believes, just like all of us do, that the PDP is the party for Nigerians,” he said.
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‎Turaki also addressed concerns about the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying the party had complied with all statutory requirements and that INEC monitored its primaries in Ekiti and Osun states.
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‎He, however, expressed concern that some actions of the electoral body were beginning to raise questions about its independence.
‎On reconciliation efforts, Turaki said the party was committed to resolving its internal disputes through political means after the conclusion of ongoing legal processes.
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‎“I am one of those who believe that not every political disagreement should go to court,” he said, adding that the PDP was ready to reintegrate aggrieved members who show genuine commitment to unity.
‎Turaki declined to disclose specific recommendations made by Jonathan, citing strategic reasons, but said the former president’s advice would guide the party’s next steps.