“PDP Alive and Strong “, Jonathan Declares After Meeting with NWC Ahead of 2027 Elections
Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, has dismissed claims suggesting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in decline, insisting that the opposition party remains alive, strong, and institutionally resilient.
Jonathan, PulseNets learnt, described the PDP as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democratic evolution, stressing that it remains the only original political party formed in 1998 that is still in existence today.
The former President made the remarks while receiving members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP, led by the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, during a closed-door consultative engagement at his private Abuja office on Tuesday evening, January 6, 2026.
PulseNets gathered that discussions at the meeting centred on the party’s ongoing reconciliation drive and efforts to strategically reposition the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Jonathan noted that despite internal disagreements, the PDP possesses the depth, history, and institutional capacity required to weather its present challenges, describing the party as a national democratic institution rather than just a political vehicle.
“The PDP remains the only surviving original political party since 1998, and it has played a defining role in Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999. I am a product of this party—it gave me the opportunity to serve as Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President, and President. I remain grateful and deeply indebted, and I will continue to support it in every way I can,” Jonathan said.
He further urged the party’s leadership to prioritise national interest, unity, and institutional growth above individual ambitions, noting that the strength of Nigeria’s democracy is directly tied to the strength of its political parties.
Earlier, Dr. Turaki expressed appreciation for Jonathan’s continued loyalty and guidance to the PDP, describing the former President as a stabilising figure within the party.
“We are here to seek your counsel and also brief you on the opportunities and challenges before us. Our leadership is committed to a comprehensive Rebirth Agenda aimed at rebuilding and strengthening the PDP. We are reaching out to aggrieved members because only a united PDP can truly represent the hopes of Nigerians and return power to the people,” Turaki told PulseNets.
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PulseNets obtained that the delegation included several senior party leaders and elders, among them H.E. Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, Prof. Jerry Gana, Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi (rtd), Hajiya Zainab Maina, Chief Mike Oghiadome, and Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, alongside other members of the National Working Committee.
