L-R PDP Woman leader Ogbu Chinenyenwa, Former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Minister of Women Affairs Hajia Zainab Maina and PDP National Chairman Taninu Turaki (SAN) during a visit of the Turaki led NWC to the former President at his residence in Abuja on Tuesday.
By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The Tanimu Turaki (SAN) led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to former President Goodluck Jonathan, at his residence in Abuja as part of efforts to strengthen internal cohesion and reposition the party ahead of forthcoming elections.
Jonathan has largely remained passive in PDP following the party’s internal divisions and the circumstances surrounding the 2015 general election, when key interests within the PDP were accused of working against his re-election bid.
Jonathan’s quiet withdrawal from active party affairs was linked to grievances arising from the 2015 election, in which several party leaders openly defected or allegedly undermined his campaign, contributing to the PDP’s historic defeat.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, said the delegation visited the former president to formally introduce members of the newly elected NWC and brief him on activities since their emergence at the party’s National Convention held in Ibadan last November.
According to Turaki, the NWC also used the opportunity to update the former President on the current state of the party, including its challenges, prospects, and ongoing efforts to stabilise the PDP after months of internal disputes.
He said the delegation to the former president included former governors, members of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), founding fathers and founding mothers, the Forum of State Chairmen, as well as other key stakeholders such as former ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We came to visit one of our most important leaders, former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR. We briefed him on what we have been doing since our election at the National Convention and the general state of the party,” he told Journalists.
Turaki said the party leadership also sought Jonathan’s guidance, support, and counsel as it prepares for off-season governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, as well as the 2027 general elections.
He disclosed that the former president reassured the delegation of his continued commitment to the PDP, describing himself as an active, card-carrying member who remains deeply invested in the party’s affairs.
According to Turaki, “President Jonathan assured us that he remains a committed member of the PDP and will be even more active in the activities and affairs of the party. He also reminded us that the PDP did everything for him that could be done for an individual, and that he feels a strong sense of obligation to the party.”
He said that Jonathan’s remarks were both reassuring and encouraging, especially as the party begins strategic preparations for upcoming elections.
Turaki also expressed appreciation to party members and supporters across the country, with particular acknowledgment of PDP stakeholders in Ekiti and Osun States for their continued loyalty and mobilisation efforts.
He assured Nigerians that the PDP remains the strongest opposition party in the country and the most viable platform for winning elections.
“I want to assure members of the public and the PDP family that the PDP remains the most veritable platform for contesting and winning elections in Nigeria,” he said.
Turaki added that the new PDP leadership is determined to return the party to its grassroots base, promote inclusivity, and ensure a level playing field for all members.
“This party belongs to the Nigerian people. There will be no impunity, no exclusion, and no one will be allowed to take what does not belong to them. We will listen to Nigerians and give them what they want,” he reassured.
The PDP leader stressed that the renewed focus on internal democracy and people-driven leadership underscores the PDP’s identity as the “People’s Democratic Party,” committed to reflecting the will and aspirations of Nigerians.
However, the former President did not speak with journalist but only escorted his guests to the entrance and briskly walked back to the living room.
