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.
READ ALSO:
Nigeria: Supreme Court Set to Decide ADC Leadership Battle | SEE DATE
The meeting took place at Jonathan's office in the Maitama area of the Federal Capital Territory.
READ ALSO:
Yusuf Buhari Declares Interest In House Of Representatives Seat -
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.
READ ALSO:
Nigeria Budgets N135bn For 2027 Election Lawsuits -
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.
READ ALSO:
Raymond Ofoegbu: Why I Decided to Throw My Support Behind Gov. Otti | READ FULL
The visit came amid a deepening internal crisis, with two factions laying claim to the position of national chairman.
READ ALSO:
Benue North-East: I will be running for Senate in 2027 - Suswam
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.
READ ALSO:
CENSUS EXERCISE SHOULD FULLY REFLECT THE POPULATION OF ABIA, IKPEAZU TELLS NPC
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.
READ ALSO:
Why You Should Never Lose Weight To Keep A Man- Comedian, Lepacious Bose Reveals
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.
READ ALSO:
Olawepo-Hashim Resigns From PDP, Vows To Resist One Party State -
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.
READ ALSO:
ADC Crisis: Nwosu Links INEC Decision to Jagaban Politics | READ WHY
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.
READ ALSO:
TRIBUNAL: DRAMA AS INEC DOCUMENT CONFIRMS AKPABIO WON CONVINCINGLY
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.
READ ALSO:
"Present Administration has not owed any worker salary dead or alive" - Cross River Info Boss
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.
READ ALSO:
How Bianca fulfilled Ikemba's dream to immortalise white man who died for Biafra
However, he expressed concern that some actions of INEC were beginning to raise questions about its independence.
READ ALSO:
Nigeria: Supreme Court Set to Decide ADC Leadership Battle | SEE DATE
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.
READ ALSO:
Yusuf Buhari Declares Interest In House Of Representatives Seat -
"I am one of those who believe that not every political disagreement should end up in court," he said.
READ ALSO:
Nigeria Budgets N135bn For 2027 Election Lawsuits -
Turaki declined to disclose Jonathan's specific recommendations, citing strategic considerations, but stated that they would inform the party's next steps.
