Former PDP Governorship Candidate Urges Jonathan to Run in 2027 Presidential Election

Rep. Benedict Etanabene, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Delta and member representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election. He made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja. Etanabene dismissed concerns that Jonathan's return to active politics would undermine his reputation, stating that exceptional national challenges require experienced leadership. He referenced the political comebacks of Donald Trump in the United States and John Mahama in Ghana as examples of democracies recalling former leaders during difficult times.

The lawmaker argued that Nigeria should not wait for a total collapse before seeking proven leadership. He emphasized that societies in deep crisis often turn to tested individuals to provide solutions. Etanabene recalled that during Jonathan's presidency, Nigeria remained the largest economy in Africa and democratic institutions retained "healthy independence." He described Jonathan's well-known principle—that his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian—as a necessary model for healing current political divisions.

Etanabene said leadership requires sacrifice and urged Jonathan to respond to what he called the invitation of millions of Nigerians. "When your house is on fire, you do not sit back," he stated. He maintained that Jonathan, though comfortable and globally respected, should consider national service over personal peace.

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