In a significant move amid the protracted leadership crisis rocking Nigeria's main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a delegation from the party's National Working Committee (NWC), led by factional National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), held a closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in Abuja. The meeting, which took place at Jonathan's office in the upscale Maitama district of the Federal Capital Territory, aimed to brief the former president on the party's current challenges, introduce the newly elected NWC members, and seek his guidance and reassurance as the PDP prepares for upcoming off-season governorship elections and the 2027 general elections.
The delegation included key PDP stakeholders such as members of the NWC, several state party chairmen, former governors, members of the Board of Trustees (BoT), representatives from the Founding Fathers and Founding Mothers Forum, former ministers, and other senior party figures. Discussions reportedly centered on the state of the PDP, the ongoing leadership dispute, strategies to reposition the party as a formidable opposition force, preparations for governorship polls in states like Ekiti and Osun, and broader national political issues.
This high-level engagement comes against the backdrop of a deepening internal schism within the PDP, which has seen two parallel factions claiming legitimacy over the national chairmanship. One faction is led by Tanimu Turaki, supported by influential governors including Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, following a controversial national convention held in Ibadan late last year. The rival faction recognizes Abdulrahman Mohammed (also referred to in some reports as backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike's allies), stemming from earlier conventions and legal disputes. The crisis has led to multiple court cases, with both sides challenging the validity of each other's leadership structures.
Briefing journalists after the closed-door session, Turaki described the meeting as productive and reassuring. He stated that the delegation formally introduced the new NWC members to Jonathan, who emerged from the party's November convention, and updated him on recent party activities. "We briefed him on the state of the party, its challenges, and prospects," Turaki said, adding that Jonathan reaffirmed his unwavering membership in the PDP and pledged a more active role in its affairs moving forward.
Turaki highlighted Jonathan's encouraging remarks, noting that the former president expressed confidence in the PDP's resilience despite recent defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and internal wrangling. Jonathan reportedly declared the PDP "alive and strong," positioning it as a vital pillar of Nigeria's democracy and the most viable opposition platform for contesting and winning elections. This pledge of deeper involvement is seen as a boost for the Turaki-led faction as it gears up for critical electoral battles.
The meeting also touched on preparations for off-season governorship elections, particularly in Ekiti and Osun states, where the PDP aims to reclaim or retain power. Turaki expressed optimism about the party's prospects, assuring members and the public that the PDP remains united in its commitment to providing credible alternatives to the APC-led federal government.
Addressing ongoing litigation plaguing the party, Turaki disclosed that Jonathan was fully briefed on the various court suits challenging the PDP's internal processes. Despite these hurdles, the former president reportedly maintained optimism about the party's future. Turaki emphasized the need for political rather than judicial resolutions to internal disagreements, stating, "I am one of those who believe that not every political disagreement should end up in court." He reiterated the party's openness to reconciliation, promising to welcome back aggrieved members who show genuine commitment to unity once legal matters are settled.
A notable point of concern raised during the post-meeting briefing was the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Turaki claimed that the PDP had fully complied with all statutory requirements for its primaries in Ekiti and Osun, with INEC monitoring the processes and issuing reports. However, he questioned the commission's independence, citing instances where certain actions appeared partisan or obstructive. This comes amid broader criticisms of INEC's handling of party affairs, including recent interventions in the PDP crisis where the electoral body met with rival factions.
The visit to Jonathan underscores the former president's enduring influence within the PDP, where he is regarded as a unifying figure and elder statesman. His administration (2010-2015) marked the last time the PDP held federal power before losing to the APC in 2015. Since then, the party has struggled with factionalism, exacerbated by the G-5 governors' revolt during the 2023 elections, mass defections, and leadership vacuums following the suspension of former chairman Iyorchia Ayu.
Analysts view Jonathan's pledged support as potentially pivotal in stabilizing the Turaki faction and rallying disaffected members ahead of 2027. The PDP's ability to resolve its crisis will be crucial for mounting a strong challenge against President Bola Tinubu's APC, especially as economic hardships and security challenges continue to dominate national discourse.
While Turaki declined to reveal specific recommendations from Jonathan, citing strategic reasons, he assured that they would guide the party's immediate actions. The meeting has generated positive buzz within PDP circles, with social media posts from the official party handle echoing Jonathan's affirmation that the PDP remains a strong force in Nigerian politics.
As the opposition party navigates these turbulent waters, the outcome of pending court cases and reconciliation efforts will determine its cohesion. For now, Jonathan's endorsement provides a morale boost, signaling his readiness to play a frontline role in revitalizing the PDP.
This development highlights the intricate dynamics of Nigerian opposition politics, where elder statesmen like Jonathan often serve as arbiters in times of crisis. With elections on the horizon, all eyes are on whether this intervention will bridge the divides or if the factional battles will persist.
