Former President Jonathan Meets Turaki-Led PDP Behind Closed Doors
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan held a closed-door meeting on Tuesday with the National
Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) as the
opposition party seeks to address an ongoing internal crisis and reposition itself ahead of upcoming
elections.
The delegation, which included Turaki, members of the NWC, and several state PDP chairmen, arrived at
Jonathan’s Maitama office in Abuja at about 5:45 p.m.and proceeded into the meeting that party
sources said focused on the lingering leadership disputes within the party and broader national issues.
Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, remains a senior and influential figure
within the PDP and has at times played behind-the-scenes roles in conflict resolution and party
consultations.
Sources told journalists that the purpose of the session was to brief the former president on recent
developments within the party and seek his advice on the way forward.
The PDP has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since late 2025, with factions loyal to different leaders
claiming control of the party’s national chairmanship.
Turaki’s faction, supported by several state governors, held a party convention in November 2025 that
elected a new NWC, though parallel leadership claims have persisted.
According to party insiders, the meeting was also expected to consider preparations for off-season
governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states scheduled for February 21, 2026, and to begin early
consultations related to the 2027 general elections.
Jonathan was briefed on reconciliation efforts and ongoing legal battles involving the party, including
disputes over candidate recognitions and factional litigations.
In remarks to journalists after the roughly 90-minute meeting, Turaki said they had introduced members
of the newly elected NWC to Jonathan, updated him on the party’s recent activities, and sought his
counsel.
He described Jonathan as a card-carrying member who remains committed to the PDP and its ideals.
Turaki also hinted that the former president’s reassurance was very encouraging as the party works to
resolve its internal differences and rebuild ahead of future elections.
He said reconciliation remains a priority once ongoing legal matters are addressed and urged aggrieved
members willing to recommit to the party to be reintegrated.
Neither Jonathan nor his office issued a public statement immediately following the meeting, and details
of specific recommendations from the closed-door session were not disclosed.
However, the engagement confirmed Jonathan’s continued involvement and influence in high-level PDP
consultations during a critical period for the party.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
