James Adamu in Abuja
Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has dispelled rumours of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) decline, declaring the opposition party “alive, strong, and resilient” while endorsing ongoing moves to reconcile aggrieved factions.
Jonathan made the assertion on Tuesday evening when he received a high powered delegation of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by its National Chairman, Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, at his private office in Abuja.
The consultative meeting centred on the party’s internal reconciliation process and strategic repositioning ahead of the critical 2027 general elections.
Addressing the party leaders, the former President reaffirmed the PDP’s status as a fundamental pillar of Nigeria’s democracy, describing it as the only surviving original political party since the return to democratic rule in 1998.
“The PDP possesses the historical resilience and institutional strength required to overcome its current internal challenges. It is more than a political platform; it is a national institution”, Jonathan stated.
He recounted his political journey, crediting the party for his rise to the nation’s highest office.
“I have been a beneficiary of this party, which gave me the opportunity to serve as Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President, and President. I am grateful to the party and will continue to contribute my quota because I feel deeply indebted to it.”
Jonathan urged the NWC to prioritise the national interest and the development of strong democratic institutions over personal ambitions, emphasising that robust political parties are essential for the nation’s stability.
In his remarks, National Chairman Dr. Turaki expressed gratitude for Jonathan’s “fatherly counsel and unwavering loyalty.” He detailed the NWC’s commitment to a “Rebirth Agenda” designed to rebuild, unite, and strengthen the party.
“Our goal is to return power to the people and reposition the PDP as the party of the majority of Nigerians,” Dr. Turaki said. “We are reaching out to aggrieved members because a united PDP remains the most viable platform for a balanced and prosperous Nigeria.”
The delegation included prominent party stalwarts such as former Niger State Governor Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, former Minister Prof. Jerry Gana, Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, Hajiya Zainab Maina, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, and former Attorney-General Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN.
The meeting was parf of a concerted effort by the PDP’s hierarchy to consolidate its ranks and present a formidable front in the build-up to the next national elections.
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