Introduction to the Meeting
The Tanimu Turaki-led National leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC), met with former President Goodluck Jonathan behind closed doors in Abuja. Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, Turaki said that the visit was to introduce the new party leadership to Jonathan following their election at the National Convention held in Ibadan in November 2025.
Outcome of the Meeting
Turaki described the former president’s response as “reassuring and very encouraging,” noting that Jonathan expressed a deep sense of obligation to the party. “We have solicited, as usual, for his support, for his guidance, for his advice, as always. We have his assurance that he’s still a card-carrying member of the PDP; he’s still active, and will even be more active these days in the activities and affairs of the PDP.” Turaki added that Jonathan has assured them that PDP has done everything for him that can be done to an individual, and that he still feels that he remains obligated to PDP.
Party’s Preparation for Elections
Turaki maintained that in spite of current internal crisis, the PDP remains the “most veritable platform” for winning elections in Nigeria. “We still remain the leading opposition party in this country, and this new leadership of PDP is taking this party back to the people, who are the owners. In doing so there’s going to be level playing ground that’s going to be inclusivity. There will be no longer impunity and we are not going to allow people to take what does not belong to them,” he said.
Response to INEC’s Exclusion
Responding to questions regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) exclusion of the party’s candidate for the Ekiti election, Turaki insisted the party had fulfilled all statutory obligations. He explained that while INEC monitored the primaries and provided portal passwords for data uploads, the commission later blocked the party’s access. “We had done manual submission to INEC, which they collected. INEC, as a regulator, has the discretion to attend or refuse, but they honoured our notices, monitored our primaries, and wrote reports. As far as I am concerned, INEC has recognised this leadership,” Turaki said.
Reconciliation and Moving Forward
On the lingering crisis within the party and the potential for “political solutions” rather than protracted litigation, Turaki said that the PDP is open to reconciliation. He said while he believed in reconciliation, it was not the party that took matters to the court, but they were in the court to defend the party. “I am one of the advocates who believe that it is not every political disagreement you take to court. But we were the ones sued. We have an obligation to defend the party. Even after these matters are resolved by the courts, we will still come back. We are willing to carry along those who are loyal and show genuine remorse,” he said. Turaki added that the leadership was ready to sit at a “round table” with all aggrieved members to move forward as “one big PDP family”.
Attendees of the Meeting
Those at the meeting include former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu; former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Prof. Jerry Gana, Chairman of PDP South-South Caretaker Committee, Chief Emmanuel Ogidi. Others are the National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja; National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong; and Deputy National Secretary, Richard Ihediwa.
Conclusion
The meeting between the PDP leadership and former President Goodluck Jonathan marks a significant step towards reconciliation and unity within the party. With the party’s commitment to inclusivity and level playing ground, it is poised to move forward as a strong and united entity. The PDP’s readiness to defend itself in court while being open to reconciliation is a positive indication of its willingness to resolve internal crises and focus on the upcoming elections.
FAQs
Q: Who led the PDP delegation to the meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan?
A: The Tanimu Turaki-led National leadership of the PDP.
Q: What was the purpose of the meeting?
A: To introduce the new party leadership to Jonathan and solicit his support and guidance.
Q: What is the PDP’s stance on the INEC’s exclusion of its candidate for the Ekiti election?
A: The party insists it has fulfilled all statutory obligations and is ready to defend itself in court.
Q: Is the PDP open to reconciliation with aggrieved members?
A: Yes, the party is willing to carry along those who are loyal and show genuine remorse.
