Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki, says former president, Goodluck Jonathan, has pledged to play an active role in the party.
Turaki disclosed this on Tuesday after a closed-door meeting with the ex-president in Abuja.
“We briefed him on the state of the party, the challenges, and the prospects. We, as usual, solicited his support, guidance, and advice,” he said.
“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 election.”
Turaki was accompanied to the dialogue by some former governors, board of trustees (BoT) members, founding members, state chairmen, among others.
Several PDP members have urged Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election following the party’s decision to zone its ticket to the south.
The PDP has been embroiled in crisis since the 2023 general election.
In November, a faction of the party backed by the PDP governors, including Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi, and Seyi Makinde of Oyo, held a convention and elected new NWC members, with Turaki as chairman.
During the convention, the PDP expelled Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and his allies — Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Oyo; Samuel Anyanwu, ex-national secretary; Umar Bature, former national organising secretary; Kamaldeen Ajibade, former legal adviser; Mao Ohuabunwa, former lawmaker; Austin Nwachukwu, former Imo state PDP chairman; Amah Nnanna Abraham, former Abia state PDP chairman; Dan Orbih, former national vice-chairman (south-south); and Turnah George.
The Wike group rejected the expulsion and formed a parallel NWC, board of trustees (BoT), and NEC.
In a tit-for-tat, the Wike faction also expelled members of the Makinde faction.
