Jonathan Assures Total Support, To Play Crucial Roles In PDP
Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has expressed satisfaction that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains alive, strong, and resilient, contrary to speculations in some sections of the media.
Dr. Jonathan reaffirmed that the PDP remains a fundamental pillar of Nigeria’s democracy, noting that it is the only surviving original political party since 1998.
The former President made this remark while receiving members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, led by the National Chairman, Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, during a high-level consultative meeting held at his private office in Abuja on Tuesday evening.
Members of the delegation included Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, Prof. Jerry Gana, Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, Hajiya Zainab Maina, Chief Mike Oghiadome, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, and other members of the National Working Committee.
The meeting focused on the party’s reconciliation process and strategic repositioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dr. Jonathan noted that the PDP possesses the historical resilience and institutional strength required to overcome its current internal challenges, describing the party as more than a political platform but a national institution.
“The PDP, being the only surviving original political party since 1998, has been a critical contributor to our democracy since 1999. I have been a beneficiary of this party, which gave me the opportunity to serve as Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President, and President. I am grateful to the party and will continue to contribute my quota because I feel deeply indebted to it,” he said.
He urged the party’s leadership to place national interest and institutional development above personal considerations, stressing that strong political parties are essential for democratic stability.
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.
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.
“He has assured us 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.
“His remarks and statements are not only reassuring, but indeed they are very encouraging as we begin to prepare for elections; off-season elections in Ekiti and Osun this year and 2027 general elections,” Turaki said.
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.
