Inside Jonathan’s Secret Parley With PDP Bigwigs: What Was Really Discussed Emerges

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday stepped up moves to address its lingering leadership crisis with a private consultation involving former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The closed-door meeting was held at Jonathan’s office in Maitama, Federal Capital Territory, and drew top figures of the party, including members of the National Working Committee (NWC), state chairmen, former governors, Board of Trustees members, founding leaders, ex-ministers and other critical stakeholders.

The engagement comes as internal divisions deepen within the PDP, with rival blocs contesting the office of national chairman. Abdulrahman Mohammed is reportedly supported by allies of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, while Taminu Turaki enjoys backing from the camps of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Turaki said the visit was to formally present the newly constituted NWC to Jonathan and to brief him on developments since the party’s national convention in November 2025.

“We paid a courtesy visit to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to introduce the newly elected National Working Committee and to update him on our activities since assuming office,” he said.

According to Turaki, Jonathan responded with words of encouragement and reaffirmed his commitment to the party.

“He assured us that he remains a card-carrying member of the PDP, is still actively involved, and intends to be even more engaged in the party’s affairs,” he said.

Turaki described Jonathan’s remarks as reassuring and motivating, especially as the party prepares for upcoming off-season elections, including the Ekiti governorship poll, and the 2027 general elections.

While acknowledging the legal disputes confronting the party, Turaki maintained that the challenges would not derail efforts to reposition the PDP as a strong opposition force.

“Despite the legal issues we are dealing with, he believes—just as we all do—that the PDP remains the party of choice for Nigerians,” he said.

He also insisted that the party adhered to all legal procedures during its primaries, noting that INEC monitored processes in Ekiti and Osun, but expressed concern over what he described as recent actions by the electoral body that raise questions about its neutrality.

On party reconciliation, Turaki said unity would be pursued once legal matters are resolved, stressing that not all political disagreements should end up in court.

He added that aggrieved members would be welcomed back if they show genuine willingness to work towards party cohesion.

Although he declined to reveal details of Jonathan’s advice, Turaki confirmed that the former president’s guidance would significantly shape the PDP’s strategy going forward.