ABUJA – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday took its festering leadership crisis to former President Goodluck Jonathan, as members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) held a closed-door meeting with him in Abuja to seek guidance, reassurance and direction at a critical moment for the opposition party.
The meeting was held at Jonathan's office in Maitama, Federal Capital Territory.
Members of the National Working Committee, many state PDP chairman, previous governors, members of the Board of Trustees, the Founding Fathers and Mothers Forum, former ministers, and other top party figures were present.
The meeting's discussions focused on the PDP's current status, an internal leadership disagreement, efforts to reposition the party, preparations for off-season governorship elections, and bigger national issues.
The visit came amid a developing crisis inside the PDP, with two groups vying for the role of national chairman. Abdulrahman Mohammed is supported by a camp loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, while Taminu Turaki is supported by camps loyal to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
Turaki told journalists following the closed-door meeting that the team visited Jonathan to formally introduce members of the newly elected NWC and brief him on the party's operations since the National Convention in November.
"We came to see former President Goodluck Jonathan, first to introduce members of the newly elected National Working Committee to him, and then to brief him on our activities since our election at the National Convention in November.
"During the meeting, we briefed him on the state of the party, its issues, and future potential.
"He told us that he is still a card-carrying member of the People's Democratic Party, is active, and will become much more involved in the PDP's operations and issues.
"His thoughts and statements were not only reassuring, but also very encouraging, as we prepare for off-season elections, Ekiti elections this year, and general elections in 2027.
"I want to reassure the public, and indeed members of the PDP family, that the PDP is still the most viable platform for fighting and winning elections in Nigeria. "We remain the country's leading opposition party."
Turaki addressed worries about the party's ongoing litigation, stating that Jonathan has been updated on the legal challenges emanating from suits filed against the PDP.
"One of the issues is the legal battles we are having. Despite these challenges, he (Jonathan) continues to believe, as we all do, that the PDP is the party for Nigerians," Turaki stated.
Turaki responded to inquiries concerning the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the acceptance of PDP candidates, saying the party followed all statutory criteria and that INEC supervised its primaries in Ekiti and Osun states.
He also voiced concern that some activities by the electoral body were beginning to cast doubt on its independence.
Responding to calls for a political solution to the situation, Turaki stated that reconciliation would remain the ultimate goal until legal proceedings were completed, and that the party was willing to reintegrate aggrieved members who demonstrated a true commitment to unity.
"I am one of those who believe that not every political disagreement should go to court," he told me.
Turaki declined to discuss Jonathan's precise recommendations, citing strategic considerations, but stated that they will drive the party's next measures.
I wish PDP all the best
Posts
0 Comments