The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday intensified efforts to resolve its festering leadership crisis by holding a closed-door meeting with former President, Goodluck Jonathan, in Abuja.
The meeting, which took place at Jonathan’s Maitama office in the Federal Capital Territory, was attended by members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), state party chairmen, former governors, members of the Board of Trustees, founding fathers and mothers of the party, former ministers, and other key stakeholders.
The high-level consultation comes amid a widening internal rift within the party, with two factions laying claim to the position of national chairman. Abdulrahman Mohammed is backed by the camp loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, while Taminu Turaki is supported by the camps of Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo).
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Turaki said the party had come to consult Jonathan for guidance and also introduce members of the newly constituted NWC following the national convention held in November 2025.
“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,” he said.
Turaki noted that Jonathan offered both encouragement and a strong reaffirmation of his loyalty to the party.
“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.
“His remarks and statements were not only reassuring but very encouraging as we prepare for off-season elections, including in Ekiti this year, and the general elections coming up in 2027,” he stated.
Turaki acknowledged the ongoing legal challenges facing the party, but said these would not deter efforts to reposition the PDP as a formidable opposition.
“Part of the challenge is the legal battles we are facing. Notwithstanding these issues, he (Jonathan) still believes, just like all of us do, that the PDP is the party for Nigerians,” he said.
He further insisted that the party complied with all legal requirements in its primaries, and that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored processes in Ekiti and Osun.
However, Turaki raised concerns about recent actions by the electoral body.
“We are a bit worried that INEC is beginning to do things that make us question their independence,” he said.
On efforts to reunite the divided house, Turaki said political reconciliation remains the endgame once legal matters are resolved.
“I am one of those who believe that not every political disagreement should go to court,” he said.
He added that aggrieved members would be welcomed back once they demonstrate sincerity and readiness to work for party unity.
While Turaki declined to disclose the specifics of Jonathan’s counsel, he confirmed the former president’s suggestions would form a key part of the party’s roadmap moving forward.