PDP Faction Meets Jonathan in Push to Resolve Leadership Crisis, Reaffirm Party Unity
The Turaki faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday stepped up efforts to resolve its deepening leadership crisis with a closed-door meeting involving former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja.
The meeting, held at Jonathan’s Maitama office in the Federal Capital Territory, brought together members of the National Working Committee (NWC), state chairmen, former governors, Board of Trustees members, founding leaders of the party, former ministers and other key stakeholders.
The high-level consultation comes amid tensions over competing claims to the office of national chairman. Abdulrahman Mohammed is backed by allies of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, while Taminu Turaki enjoys the support of Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and Seyi Makinde of Oyo.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Turaki said the delegation visited Jonathan to seek guidance and formally introduce the newly constituted NWC following the November 2025 national convention.
“We came to see former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, first to introduce members of the newly elected National Working Committee to him, and then to brief him on what we have been doing since our election,” he said.
Turaki added that Jonathan reaffirmed his commitment to the party and encouraged its leaders to stay focused.
“He assured us that he remains a card-carrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party, is still active, and will be even more active in the affairs and activities of the PDP,” he noted, describing the former president’s remarks as both reassuring and motivating ahead of upcoming off-season elections and the 2027 polls.
While acknowledging the ongoing legal disputes surrounding the party’s leadership, Turaki said they would not derail efforts to reposition the PDP as a credible opposition.
“Part of the challenge is the legal battles we are facing. Notwithstanding these issues, he still believes — just like all of us — that the PDP is the party for Nigerians,” he said.
He insisted that the party’s primaries complied with legal procedures and were monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), though he expressed concern over some recent actions by the electoral body.
“We are a bit worried that INEC is beginning to do things that make us question their independence,” he added.
On reconciliation, Turaki said political settlement remains the ultimate objective once the legal questions are resolved, stressing that not every internal disagreement should end up in court. He noted that aggrieved members would be welcomed back once they demonstrate sincerity and commitment to unity.
Though he declined to reveal details of Jonathan’s private advice, Turaki confirmed that the former president’s guidance would shape the party’s roadmap in the months ahead
