Away from campaign rallies and courtrooms, a private meeting in Abuja has quietly reshaped conversations within Nigeria’s main opposition party.
Senior figures of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) paid a strategic visit to former President Goodluck Jonathan, and what came out of that closed-door discussion is already sending signals ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Jonathan Signals Deeper Involvement in PDP Affairs
According to PDP National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki, former President Goodluck Jonathan has assured party leaders that he remains firmly committed to the PDP and is ready to become even more active in its affairs.
Turaki shared this with journalists shortly after the meeting, describing Jonathan as a loyal party man who still feels a deep sense of obligation to the platform that produced him.
Inside the High-Level Abuja Meeting
The visit took place at Jonathan’s Maitama office on Tuesday evening.
Turaki arrived alongside the entire National Working Committee, joined by former governors, founding members of the party, and a select group of state chairmen.
Their convoy reportedly arrived around 5:45 pm in six SUVs, and the meeting itself lasted about an hour and thirty minutes.
Why the PDP Leadership Went to See Jonathan
Turaki explained that the visit had multiple purposes.
First, the newly elected National Working Committee formally introduced itself to the former president.
The delegation also used the opportunity to brief Jonathan on developments within the party since their election at the PDP National Convention held in Ibadan last November.
They discussed the party’s internal challenges, ongoing legal battles, and future prospects, especially with off-season elections in Ekiti and Osun, as well as the 2027 general elections, in view.
Re-Election Rumours Still Hanging in the Air
The meeting inevitably reignited speculation about Jonathan’s political future.
Reports had circulated last year suggesting that the former president might consider a return to the ballot in 2027.
Jonathan, however, has neither confirmed nor denied those reports, and he maintained his silence again after this meeting.
Not Every Political Fight Belongs in Court
Speaking alongside other party leaders, Turaki stressed that political disagreements are not always best resolved through litigation.
While acknowledging the legal battles facing the PDP, he noted that many of the cases were filed against the party, leaving the leadership with no option but to defend itself in court.
He added that Jonathan offered useful advice on resolving the crisis, though those recommendations would remain private for now.
PDP Leadership Promises Inclusivity and Fair Play
Turaki reaffirmed that the PDP remains Nigeria’s strongest opposition party and insisted that the new leadership is determined to return the party to its grassroots.
According to him, the goal is to ensure inclusiveness, fairness, and an end to impunity within the party structure.
He emphasized that the PDP belongs to the Nigerian people and that the leadership intends to listen closely to public expectations as it repositions the party for future elections.
Legal Battles, Factions, and INEC Recognition
The crisis within the PDP remains complex.
While PDP governors endorsed the Ibadan convention that produced Turaki and his team for a four-year tenure beginning November 16, a rival faction aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike disputes that leadership.
That faction insists it still occupies the positions of Acting National Chairman and Acting National Secretary and even went ahead to set up a 13-member caretaker committee with a 60-day mandate.
With both camps seeking official recognition, the Independent National Electoral Commission has so far declined to recognise any PDP candidate for the Ekiti election.
Several lawsuits challenging the party’s national leadership are also pending across different courts.
Reconciliation Still on the Table
Despite the tension, Turaki said the PDP leadership remains open to political solutions.
He noted that reconciliation efforts would focus on party members who genuinely show remorse and a willingness to move forward together.
According to him, the party has already made it clear that all aggrieved members would be approached after legal processes are concluded, as unity will be crucial for the battles ahead.
Jonathan Keeps His Counsel
After the meeting, attempts to get Jonathan to speak publicly proved unsuccessful.
He simply escorted his visitors out and returned inside without making any statements.
Who Was in the Room
Those present at the meeting included former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, PDP founding father and former Information Minister Professor Jerry Gana, National Secretary Taofeek Arapaja, National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, and Deputy National Secretary Richard Ihediwa.
A Broader Consultation Strategy
Jonathan’s meeting is part of a wider consultation drive by the Turaki-led National Working Committee.
Beyond him, the leadership has also met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, and former Defence Minister T. Y. Danjuma in a bid to steady the party amid its internal crisis.
What’s Next?
With legal battles ongoing, factions still jostling for control, and major elections on the horizon, the PDP faces a defining period.
Jonathan’s renewed commitment may offer moral strength, but whether the party can translate consultations, reconciliation efforts, and court outcomes into unity and electoral success remains the big question going forward.
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