Our Reporter, Abuja
Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains alive, strong, and resilient, dismissing speculations in some sections of the media about the party’s decline.
Dr. Jonathan made the assertion on Tuesday evening, January 6, 2026, while receiving members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP at his private office in Abuja. The delegation was led by the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN.
According to the former President, the PDP continues to be a fundamental pillar of Nigeria’s democracy and retains a unique place in the country’s political history as 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,” Jonathan said.
“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.”
He noted that the party possesses the historical resilience and institutional capacity to overcome its current internal challenges, describing the PDP as more than a political platform but a national institution that has played a defining role in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Dr. Jonathan urged the party’s leadership to place national interest, unity, and institutional development above personal ambitions, stressing that strong and stable political parties are indispensable to the survival and growth of democracy in Nigeria.
The high-level consultative meeting focused on the PDP’s ongoing reconciliation efforts and strategic repositioning ahead of the 2027 general elections. Discussions also centred on strengthening internal cohesion and restoring public confidence in the party.
Earlier, Dr. Turaki expressed appreciation to the former President for his continued loyalty, fatherly guidance, and unwavering support for the PDP. He said the current leadership is committed to a comprehensive “Rebirth Agenda” aimed at rebuilding, unifying, and strengthening the party nationwide.
“We came to seek your guidance and to brief you on the prospects and challenges before the party,” Turaki said.
“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.”
Members of the delegation included former Niger State Governor, H.E. Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu; Prof. Jerry Gana; Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi; Hajiya Zainab Maina; Chief Mike Oghiadome; former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN; and other members of the National Working Committee.
The visit underscores ongoing efforts by the PDP leadership to consult key stakeholders as the party works to consolidate its base and reposition itself ahead of the next general elections.
