The Deputy National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, Timothy Osadolor, has defended former President, Goodluck Jonathan, over his long absence from the party, insisting that prevailing circumstances at the time explained his decision.

In an interview with Punch, Osadolor said, “The circumstances under which former President Jonathan left office and the PDP, where senior leaders and members of the party openly and secretly conspired against him, might have informed his decision to stay aloof. If you look at it objectively, one would not be surprised that he took that decision in light of the prevailing circumstances he faced.”

While acknowledging that Jonathan “shirked certain responsibilities,” the PDP youth leader argued that the former president still deserved full recognition.

Osadolor said, “As a former President, he has his pride of place, and all his dues and accolades must be fully given to him. We are not in a position now to apportion blame. There are people who have done worse, yet we have accommodated and forgiven them in the past and even in the present.”

He urged the party to embrace unity and welcome every potential ally, including Peter Obi, as it works to regain national relevance.

He further stated, “In the spirit of oneness, continuity, and fairness, every hand, including Obi, should be welcomed. With regard to the former president, and notwithstanding the goodwill he has gathered post-presidency, we need all the goodwill we can get now to push this party back into the national limelight.”

The PDP youth leader alleged that Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and a few other party members were backing Jonathan’s candidacy because they believed he would be easier to market.

However, he stressed that Jonathan is not the party’s sole hope, adding, “President Jonathan is not the only person we have in this party. We have governors like Governor Seyi Makinde, who has been doing exceptionally well in projecting the party and representing the people of Oyo State in a top-notch manner. So, while wooing former President Jonathan is fine, he is not the only option we have.”