The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday escalated its lingering leadership crisis to former President Goodluck Jonathan, as members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) held a closed-door meeting with him in Abuja to seek guidance and reassurance at a critical time for the opposition party.
The meeting took place at Jonathan’s office in the Maitama area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Those present included members of the NWC, several state PDP chairmen, former governors, members of the Board of Trustees, the Founding Fathers and Founding Mothers Forum, former ministers, and other senior party stakeholders.
Discussions focused on the state of the PDP, the ongoing leadership dispute, efforts to reposition the party, preparations for off-season governorship elections, and broader national issues.
The visit came amid a deepening internal crisis, with two factions laying claim to the position of national chairman.
Abdulrahman Mohammed is backed by a group loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, while Taminu Turaki enjoys the support of camps aligned with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Turaki said the delegation met Jonathan to formally introduce members of the newly elected NWC and update him on the party’s activities since the National Convention held in November.
He said Jonathan was briefed on the state of the party, its challenges and prospects, adding that the former president reaffirmed his continued membership and active involvement in the PDP.
According to Turaki, Jonathan’s remarks were reassuring and encouraging as the party prepares for off-season elections, including the Ekiti governorship poll this year, and the 2027 general elections.
Turaki also assured PDP members and the public that the party remains the most viable platform for contesting and winning elections in Nigeria, describing it as the country’s leading opposition party.
Addressing concerns over ongoing litigation, he said Jonathan was briefed on the legal battles arising from suits against the PDP, noting that despite these challenges, the former president remains confident in the party’s future.
On the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Turaki said the PDP complied with all statutory requirements and that the electoral body monitored its primaries in Ekiti and Osun states.
However, he expressed concern that some actions of INEC were beginning to raise questions about its independence.
On reconciliation, Turaki stated that the party remains committed to resolving internal disagreements through political means once legal issues are resolved, stressing that aggrieved members would be welcomed back if they demonstrate genuine commitment to unity.
“I am one of those who believe that not every political disagreement should end up in court,” he said.
Turaki declined to disclose Jonathan’s specific recommendations, citing strategic considerations, but stated that they would inform the party’s next steps.
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