FORMER President Goodluck Jonathan has assured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of a more active role in its affairs as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections, according to the party’s National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki (SAN).
Turaki disclosed this yesterday after a closed-door meeting with Jonathan at his office in Maitama, Abuja.
The PDP delegation, which included members of the National Working Committee, former governors, founding members and selected state chairmen, arrived at the former president’s office around 5:45 p.m. The meeting lasted about one and a half hours.
Addressing journalists afterward, Turaki said the visit was aimed at formally introducing the newly elected NWC to Jonathan and briefing him on the state of the party, including its challenges and prospects since the national convention held in Ibadan last November.
He explained that Jonathan reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, stressing that he remains a card-carrying member and would increase his participation in the party’s activities.
According to Turaki, the former president also expressed a sense of obligation to the PDP, noting that the party had stood by him throughout his political journey.
Turaki added that Jonathan’s assurances were encouraging, especially as the party prepares for upcoming off-season elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as well as the 2027 general elections.
He noted that Jonathan offered valuable advice on resolving the party’s internal challenges, though the specifics of those recommendations would not be made public.
The PDP chairman reiterated that the party remains Nigeria’s strongest opposition platform and said the current leadership is committed to inclusivity, reconciliation and returning the party to its grassroots base.
He also emphasized that while the party would continue to defend itself in court, political solutions would be pursued with members genuinely willing to reconcile.
Jonathan did not speak to the media after the meeting, as he quietly escorted the delegation out.
The meeting was attended by several party leaders, including former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, PDP founding father Prof. Jerry Gana, National Secretary Taofeek Arapaja, National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, and Deputy National Secretary Richard Ihediwa.
The visit comes amid ongoing leadership disputes within the PDP, with multiple lawsuits and rival claims to national offices still pending before the courts.
Despite the crisis, the Turaki-led NWC has continued consultations with elder statesmen, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida, as well as former Defence Minister T.Y. Danjuma.