Tanimu Turaki, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, has stated that former President Goodluck Jonathan has promised to become more involved in the party’s operations prior to the 2027 general elections.
Following a private meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja on Tuesday, Turaki revealed this to reporters.
Turaki arrived at Jonathan’s Maitama office alongside the entire National Working Committee, former governors, founding fathers, and a few selected state chairmen at about 5:45 pm in six SUVs.
The duration of the meeting was about 1.5 hours.
Recall that last year, there were rumours that former President Jonathan might run for reelection in 2027.
Former president Jonathan hasn’t acknowledged or refuted the rumours, though.
Speaking alongside other party leaders, Turaki pointed out that not all political disputes can be settled by the legal system.
He stated, “We came this evening to visit one of our very important leaders, former President of Nigeria, President Ebele Jonathan, first, to introduce members of the newly elected National Working Committee to him, and then to tell him what we have been doing since our election at the National Convention held last November in Ibadan.
“We briefed him on the state of the party, the challenges, and the prospects. On this visit, we were accompanied by former governors, members of the Board of Trustees, founding fathers and founding mothers, the Forum of State Chairmen, in addition to other leaders of the party, including former ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We solicited, as usual, his support, guidance, and advice. 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 elections.”
In response to a question concerning the former president’s advice for settling the PDP conflict, Turaki stated that Jonathan provided insightful recommendations that would be taken into consideration but kept confidential.
The PDP chairman reiterated that the party is still Nigeria’s most powerful and reliable platform for running for office and winning.
He continued, “We remain the leading opposition party in this country, and this new leadership of the PDP is taking the party back to the people, who are the true owners of the party. In doing so, there will be a level playing field, inclusivity, and an end to impunity.
“We will not allow people to take what does not belong to them. We will listen to Nigerians. Whatever Nigerians want is what we will give them. Whatever Nigerians want is what they will have as far as this leadership is concerned.
“This is the party that belongs to the Nigerian people, and that is why we are called the Peoples Democratic Party. So, we informed the former President about the prospects and challenges facing the party, including the legal battles.
“As a senior lawyer, I explained to him the details of the matters at the Court of Appeal and the prospects for the party. He is fully informed and still believes, as we all do, that the PDP is the party for Nigerians.”
On the possibility of political solutions to the party’s crisis, Turaki said the leadership would only engage with individuals who are genuinely willing to reconcile.
He continued, “Even when you win a war, you must still win the battle. I believe not every political disagreement should go to court. However, all the cases before the courts were instituted against the PDP, not by the PDP. We have a responsibility to defend the party.
“After the legal processes, we will still engage those who show remorse and willingness to remain loyal party members. When we were sworn in, we stated clearly that we would reach out to all aggrieved members. We need all hands on deck for the task ahead.
“We will sit down with those genuinely interested in reconciliation. We will reconcile and move forward together as one big PDP family.”
The former president simply walked his guests out and quickly went back inside, so all attempts to get Jonathan to remark on the discussion or express his opinions on the topics were fruitless.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
