Former President Goodluck Jonathan has declared Nigeria’s main opposition party, the PDP, is still strong and vital to democracy. He made the statement during a private meeting with the party’s top leaders in Abuja on Tuesday.
Jonathan acknowledged the party’s current internal conflicts but argued it has the strength to overcome them. He described the PDP as a national institution and the only original political party still standing from 1998.
“I have been a beneficiary of this party,” Jonathan said, referencing his rise from deputy governor to president under its banner. He urged the leadership to focus on the country’s interests and rebuild the party’s unity.
The PDP’s National Chairman, Dr. Kabiru Turaki, outlined a “Rebirth Agenda” to fix the party’s problems. He said the leadership prefers peaceful talks but is forced to fight legal battles brought by unhappy members.
The high-level meeting centered on reconciling factions and preparing for the next national election in 2027. Both sides expressed a commitment to stabilizing the party once ongoing court cases are settled.
This show of support from a former president is seen as a boost for the divided opposition. It highlights the PDP’s effort to present a united front ahead of the next electoral contest.
