- Safiu Kehinde
Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has reaffirmed his support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as he expressed his gratitude to the party for the opportunities it gave to him.
Jonathan made this known while receiving members of the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party during a high-level consultative meeting held at his private office in Abuja on Tuesday evening.
As quoted in a statement issued by the PDP following meeting, the former President expressed satisfaction that the PDP remains alive, strong, and resilient, contrary to speculations in some sections of the media.
He reaffirmed that the PDP remains a fundamental pillar of Nigeria’s democracy, noting that it is the only surviving original political party since 1998.
“The PDP, being the only surviving original political party since 1998, has been a critical contributor to our democracy since 1999.
“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 said.
The ex-President noted that the PDP possesses the historical resilience and institutional strength required to overcome its current internal challenges, describing the party as more than a political platform but a national institution.
He urged the party’s leadership to place national interest and institutional development above personal considerations, stressing that strong political parties are essential for democratic stability.
Earlier in his remarks, Dr. Turaki expressed his gratitude to Jonathan for his fatherly counsel and unwavering loyalty to the PDP.
He assured him that the current leadership is committed to a comprehensive “Rebirth Agenda” aimed at rebuilding and strengthening the party.
“We came to seek your guidance and to brief you on the prospects and challenges before the party. Our goal is to return power to the people and reposition the PDP as the party of the majority of Nigerians.
“We are reaching out to aggrieved members because a united PDP remains the most viable platform for a balanced and prosperous Nigeria,” Dr. Turaki stated.
Meanwhile, the meeting held in close door was reportedly focused on the party’s reconciliation process and strategic repositioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Members of the delegation present at the meeting included H.E. Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, Prof. Jerry Gana, Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, Hajiya Zainab Maina, Chief Mike Oghiadome, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, and other members of the National Working Committee.