PDP chieftain Conrad Utaan asserts that only former President Goodluck Jonathan has the influence to reunite the party and lead it toward victory in the 2027 elections.
Amidst the mounting pressure to present a formidable opposition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) sets its hopes on the return of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
In an interview, Chief Conrad Terhide Utaan, a PDP chieftain from Benue State, national chairmanship aspirant, and ally of the G-5 governors, spoke extensively on the party’s internal dynamics, the potential return of former President Goodluck Jonathan as a presidential candidate, and the challenges of reconciling major political figures within the party.
Utaan, reflecting on talks about Jonathan’s possible comeback, said the former president could play a unifying role in the PDP.
“As a member of the PDP and a key stakeholder, I firmly believe our party has reached a point where genuine healing is needed to reunite its factions. We need an influential leader with the stature of Goodluck Jonathan to achieve this,” he stated.
He recalled how Jonathan was vilified in the lead-up to the 2015 elections, which eventually paved the way for the APC’s victory. However, he stressed that time and reflection had revealed the need for Jonathan’s kind of leadership to stabilise the polity and rebuild democratic structures.
“Jonathan’s potential candidacy in 2027 is not just about him or the PDP; it’s about creating a stronger system for future generations,” he added.
On reports of Atiku Abubakar’s alleged defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and speculations about Peter Obi possibly returning to the PDP, Utaan said reconciliation and inclusiveness were key.
He emphasised that the party must find a way to manage internal tensions involving influential figures, such as Nyesom Wike, while preparing for its November 2025 convention.
According to him, the PDP must focus on regaining public trust by tackling the pressing issues facing Nigerians, warning that failure to do so would weaken the party’s chances in 2027.
