With mounting calls for a strong opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), fresh signals from within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suggest a dramatic political twist — the possible return of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as the party’s presidential candidate.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Chief Conrad Terhide Utaan, a PDP chieftain from Benue State, national chairmanship aspirant, and ally of the G-5 governors, revealed that Jonathan’s comeback could serve as a unifying force for the divided opposition party.
“As a member of the PDP and a key stakeholder, I firmly believe our party has reached a point where genuine healing is needed. We need an influential leader with the stature of Goodluck Jonathan to achieve this,” Utaan said.
He recalled the events of 2015, when Jonathan was heavily vilified before his defeat to the APC. However, Utaan emphasized that with time, many within the party and across Nigeria now recognize the need for Jonathan’s style of leadership to rebuild trust and restore stability.
On speculations of Atiku Abubakar defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the possibility of Peter Obi returning to the PDP, Utaan stressed that reconciliation and inclusiveness were essential for the party’s survival.
He further urged the PDP to manage tensions among heavyweight members, including Nyesom Wike, ahead of its November 2025 convention.
“The PDP must focus on regaining public trust by addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues. If we fail, the party’s chances in 2027 will be greatly weakened,” he warned.
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