The Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday met with former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja. The meeting, held behind closed doors, was aimed at introducing the new party leadership following their election at the National Convention in Ibadan in November 2025.
Speaking after the meeting, Turaki described Jonathan’s response as “reassuring and very encouraging,” noting that the former president expressed a strong sense of loyalty and obligation to the party.
“We have solicited his support, guidance, and advice, as always. He has assured us that he remains an active, card-carrying member of the PDP and will continue to engage more actively in party affairs. His remarks are not only reassuring but also very encouraging as we prepare for off-season elections in Ekiti and Osun, as well as the 2027 general elections,” Turaki said.
Turaki reaffirmed that despite internal challenges, the PDP remains a leading platform for winning elections in Nigeria. “We remain the leading opposition party in this country. This new leadership is taking the party back to the people, ensuring inclusivity and accountability. There will be no impunity, and we will not allow individuals to take what does not belong to them,” he added.
Addressing the exclusion of the party’s candidate for the Ekiti election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Turaki insisted that the PDP had fulfilled all statutory obligations. He explained that while INEC monitored the primaries and provided portal access for data uploads, the commission later blocked the party’s access. “We submitted the data manually, which INEC collected. The commission has recognised this leadership,” he said.
On reconciliation within the party, Turaki emphasised that the PDP remains open to political solutions rather than prolonged litigation. “While we were sued, we are committed to defending the party. After court matters are resolved, we will work to bring loyal members back into the fold. The leadership is ready to sit at a round table with all aggrieved members to move forward as one big PDP family,” he said.
The meeting included former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, former Minister of Information Prof. Jerry Gana, PDP South-South Caretaker Committee Chairman Chief Emmanuel Ogidi, National Secretary Taofeek Arapaja, National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, and Deputy National Secretary Richard Ihediwa.
The Turaki-led NWC has also held meetings with former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other party leaders across the country to consolidate support and chart a path forward.