PDP NWC Visits Jonathan, Secures Backing Ahead of Ekiti, Osun and 2027 Elections

PDP NWC Visits Jonathan, Secures Backing Ahead of Ekiti, Osun and 2027 Elections

ABUJA — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national leadership, led by Tanimu Turaki, on Tuesday met with former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja, securing assurances of his continued support as the party prepares for off-season elections and the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Turaki said the visit was to formally introduce the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) to Jonathan following its emergence at the PDP national convention in Ibadan in November 2025.

According to him, Jonathan’s response was “reassuring and very encouraging,” as the former president reaffirmed his loyalty and commitment to the party.

“We have his assurance that he remains a card-carrying and active member of the PDP and that he will be even more involved in the affairs of the party. He stated clearly that the PDP has done everything possible for him and that he remains deeply obligated to the party,” Turaki said.

He added that Jonathan’s remarks have boosted the morale of the new leadership as it prepares for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections this year, as well as the 2027 polls.

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Turaki insisted that despite internal challenges, the PDP remains Nigeria’s strongest opposition platform.

“We remain the leading opposition party in Nigeria. This new leadership is taking the party back to the people. There will be inclusiveness, a level playing field, and an end to impunity,” he said.

Addressing concerns over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) excluding the PDP’s candidate for the Ekiti election, Turaki maintained that the party complied fully with all statutory requirements.

He said INEC monitored the party’s primaries, issued access credentials for data upload, and received manual submissions before allegedly blocking access to the portal.

“As far as I am concerned, INEC has recognised this leadership. They monitored our primaries and wrote reports,” he said.

On the lingering PDP internal crisis and calls for political solutions instead of prolonged court cases, Turaki said the party remained open to reconciliation.

“I am one of those who believe that not every political disagreement should end up in court. We were sued, and we had a duty to defend the party. Even after the court processes, we are ready to reconcile with members who show genuine remorse,” he said.

Turaki stressed that the leadership was prepared to engage all aggrieved stakeholders in dialogue to reunite the party as “one big PDP family.”

Those present at the meeting included former Niger State governor Babangida Aliyu, former Minister of Information Jerry Gana, PDP South-South Caretaker Committee chairman Emmanuel Ogidi, national secretary Taofeek Arapaja, national publicity secretary Ini Ememobong, and deputy national secretary Richard Ihediwa.

The Turaki-led NWC has also paid similar visits to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other key party leaders across the country.

PDP NWC Visits Jonathan, Secures Backing Ahead of Ekiti, Osun and 2027 Elections