The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday intensified efforts to resolve its leadership crisis by holding a closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja.
The meeting took place at Jonathan’s office in Maitama and was attended by members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), state party chairmen, former governors, Board of Trustees members, party founders, former ministers, and other key stakeholders.
The consultation comes as the party continues to battle internal divisions, with two factions claiming the position of national chairman. One faction supports Abdulrahman Mohammed, who is backed by allies of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. The other faction backs Taminu Turaki, who is supported by the camps of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Turaki said the party visited Jonathan to seek his guidance and formally introduce members of the newly elected NWC that emerged from the PDP national convention held in November 2025.
He said:
“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 revealed that Jonathan reassured party leaders of his continued loyalty to the PDP and promised to remain actively involved in its affairs.
According to him:
“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.”
He added that Jonathan’s words were encouraging as the party prepares for upcoming off-season elections, including the Ekiti governorship election, and the 2027 general elections.
Turaki acknowledged that the PDP is facing legal challenges but said they would not weaken the party’s resolve to remain a strong opposition.
“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 is the party for Nigerians,” he said.
He also stated that the party followed all legal procedures during its primaries and that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored elections in Ekiti and Osun. However, he expressed concern about some recent actions by INEC, saying they raise questions about the commission’s independence.
On party unity, Turaki said reconciliation remains the goal once legal disputes are settled.
“I am one of those who believe that not every political disagreement should go to court,” he said, adding that aggrieved members would be welcomed back if they show genuine commitment to unity.
Although Turaki did not disclose the specific advice given by Jonathan, he confirmed that the former president’s suggestions would play a major role in shaping the PDP’s plans going forward.
