Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains alive, strong and resilient despite defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the party as a foundational pillar of Nigeria’s democratic system.
Jonathan stated that the PDP is the only surviving legacy political party since 1998, stressing that its endurance underscores its institutional strength and relevance in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He made the remarks on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), led by the party’s National Chairman, Dr Kabiru Turaki, SAN, during a high-level consultative meeting at his private office. The engagement focused on reconciliation efforts and strategic repositioning ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to the former president, the PDP possesses the historical resilience required to overcome its current internal challenges, noting that the party is more than a political platform but a national institution. He recalled that the PDP provided him the opportunity to serve Nigeria in various capacities, including as deputy governor, governor, vice president and president, adding that he remains deeply indebted to the party.
Jonathan urged the party’s leadership to prioritise national interest and institutional development over personal considerations, emphasising that strong and stable political parties are essential for democratic sustainability.
Earlier, Turaki thanked Jonathan for his continued loyalty and fatherly guidance, assuring him that the current leadership of the PDP is committed to a comprehensive “Rebirth Agenda” aimed at rebuilding and strengthening the party. He said the party was engaging aggrieved members nationwide, stressing that a united PDP remains the most viable platform for delivering balanced governance and prosperity to Nigerians.
Turaki explained that the delegation visited Jonathan to formally introduce members of the newly elected NWC, brief him on developments since the last national convention in Ibadan, and seek his guidance and continued support. He disclosed that Jonathan reaffirmed his status as an active, card-carrying member of the PDP and pledged to be more involved in party affairs ahead of forthcoming off-season elections and the 2027 general polls.
Responding to questions on legal challenges confronting the party, Turaki said Jonathan was fully briefed on the issues before the courts, particularly at the Court of Appeal, and remains confident that the PDP is still the preferred party for Nigerians. He also raised concerns about the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that the commission initially granted the PDP access to its portal before subsequently restricting it.
Meanwhile, the PDP has faulted the APC over its handling of the political crisis in Rivers State, insisting that the ruling party lacks the moral justification to complain about the conduct of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a statement in Abuja, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the APC must take responsibility for the political consequences of its engagement with Wike, arguing that the party willingly empowered him for political advantage and cannot now cry foul.
Ememobong maintained that Wike is no longer a member of the PDP, noting that he and his supporters were expelled from the party. He accused the APC of attempting to distance itself from a situation it voluntarily created, stressing that the law does not permit a party to benefit from an act it now seeks to condemn.
He further rejected attempts to drag the PDP into the dispute between Wike and the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, over Rivers State politics, insisting that the conduct now being criticised was previously applauded when it appeared beneficial to the ruling party.
According to Ememobong, the APC must manage the political realities it created, adding that what was once considered an asset has now become a liability for the ruling party.
