The chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki, has revealed that former president Goodluck Jonathan has committed to taking a more active role in the party’s affairs.
Turaki made the disclosure on Tuesday after a closed-door meeting with Jonathan in Abuja.
“We briefed him on the state of the party, the challenges, and the prospects. We, as usual, solicited his support, guidance, and advice,” he said.
“We received his assurance that he is still a card-carrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party, remains active, and will be even more active in the activities and affairs of the PDP.
“He also assured us that the PDP has done everything for him that can be done for an individual and that he still feels obligated to the party.
“His remarks and statements were not only reassuring but very encouraging as we prepare for off-season elections in Ekiti and Osun this year, as well as the 2027 general election.”
Turaki was joined at the meeting by several former governors, members of the board of trustees (BoT), founding members of the party, and state chairmen.
In recent weeks, some PDP members have urged Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election following the party’s decision to zone its ticket to the south.
PDP CRISIS
The PDP has faced internal turmoil since the 2023 general election.
In November, a faction of the party supported by PDP governors — including Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and Seyi Makinde of Oyo — convened a convention that resulted in the election of a new national working committee (NWC), with Turaki emerging as chairman.
At the convention, the PDP expelled Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), along with several allies — Ayodele Fayose, former Oyo governor; Samuel Anyanwu, ex-national secretary; Umar Bature, former national organising secretary; Kamaldeen Ajibade, former legal adviser; Mao Ohuabunwa, former lawmaker; Austin Nwachukwu, former Imo state PDP chairman; Amah Nnanna Abraham, former Abia state PDP chairman; Dan Orbih, former national vice-chairman (south-south); and Turnah George.
The Wike-led faction rejected the expulsion and went on to establish a parallel NWC, board of trustees (BoT), and NEC.
In a tit-for-tat move, the Wike faction also expelled members of the Makinde-led group.