PDP still strong, resilient despite defections — Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said he derives deep satisfaction from the fact that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains alive, strong and resilient despite sustained defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Jonathan said the PDP remains a fundamental pillar of Nigeria’s democracy, noting that it is the only surviving legacy political party since the country’s return to civil rule in 1999.

The former president made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), led by its National Chairman, Dr Kabiru Turaki (SAN), at a high-level consultative meeting held at his private office in Abuja.

The meeting centred on the party’s reconciliation efforts and strategic repositioning ahead of the 2027 general election.

Jonathan described the PDP as more than a political platform, calling it a national institution with the historical resilience and institutional strength to overcome its current internal challenges.

“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 urged the party’s leadership to put national interest and institutional development above personal ambitions, stressing that strong political parties are essential for democratic stability.

PDP Leadership Reassures Jonathan

Earlier, Turaki thanked Jonathan for his fatherly counsel and unwavering loyalty to the party, assuring him that the PDP leadership was 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,” 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 Dr Mu’azu Aliyu, Professor Jerry Gana, Gen Ishaya Bamaiyi (rtd), Hajiya Zainab Maina, Chief Mike Oghiadome, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) and other NWC members.

‘Jonathan Remains Active PDP Member’

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Turaki said the visit was to formally introduce the newly elected NWC to Jonathan and brief him on developments since the party’s national convention held in Ibadan last November.

He said the delegation included former governors, Board of Trustees members, founding leaders, state chairmen and former ministers.

“We have his assurance that he remains a card-carrying and active member of the PDP, and that he will be even more involved in the affairs of the party,” Turaki said.

“He has also assured us that PDP has done everything for him that can be done for an individual, and that he remains obligated to the party.”

Turaki said Jonathan’s remarks were encouraging as the party prepares for off-season governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun, as well as the 2027 general election.

Legal Battles, INEC Concerns

On concerns over legal disputes and their impact on upcoming elections, Turaki said Jonathan was fully briefed on the party’s court cases and remained confident in PDP’s prospects.

He also raised questions over the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that the commission initially granted PDP access to its portal before blocking the party from uploading required data.

PDP Slams APC over Wike, Rivers Crisis

Meanwhile, the PDP has said the APC lacks the moral justification to complain about the conduct of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, insisting that the ruling party must live with the political consequences of its choices in Rivers State.

Speaking in Abuja, PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong said Wike was no longer a PDP member and accused the APC of knowingly engaging him for political advantage.

“This is what happens when you keep feeding a monster,” Ememobong said.

“One day, you become food in the belly of that monster.”

He said the APC had no legal or moral standing to disown Wike, adding that the party could not complain about actions it once applauded.

“You cannot benefit from a wrong you created, nor complain of a voluntary injury,” he said.

“What was once seen as an asset has now become a liability, and they must deal with it.”

Ememobong dismissed attempts to drag PDP into the controversy, noting that Wike’s conduct only became an issue when it stopped favouring the APC.

“When something is wrong, it is wrong,” he said.

“If someone engages in anti-party activity or aligns with another party, I will call it out clearly.”