Throughout history, several politicians have found themselves pushed out of power, whether due to electoral defeat, scandal, military takeovers, or party struggles. Yet, some of these individuals have managed to fight their way back into relevance, defying public doubt, institutional resistance, or even exile.
Their power returns reflect their persistence, political strategy, timing, and in many cases, a deep understanding of their societies and how to speak to them during moments of change or disillusionment. These stories go beyond mere second chances; they represent triumphs over adversity and show the unpredictable nature of public life.
Among countless political returns recorded through history, a few stand out for the scale of difficulty faced by the individuals and the level of impact their return had on both national and international affairs.
Some leaders rewrite their legacy with stunning returns (Photo: Getty Images)The five comebacks featured here are regarded as exceptional, due to the circumstances surrounding the figures’ fall from grace and the success they later achieved after returning to office or influence. Some were away for years, some endured imprisonment or exile, and some had to deal with strong internal opposition within their own parties.
Each case shows how political will, strategic alliances, and favourable timing can combine to revive careers once thought finished. Whether the leaders returned to elected office or simply regained political influence, these stories show what is possible when ambition meets opportunity.
1. Winston Churchill – From Rejection to Leadership in Wartime Britain
Winston Churchill is a well-known figure in British political history, and his return to power during the Second World War is often referenced when discussing career turnarounds.
After holding several cabinet roles, he became unpopular due to his involvement in the Gallipoli campaign during the First World War, which was seen as a disaster. For many years, Churchill remained in the political wilderness, holding views that were seen as outdated or extreme by many in Parliament and the British public.
He spent the 1930s warning about the threat posed by Nazi Germany, but few in government took him seriously. However, as war broke out and the danger became clearer, his voice grew louder and more respected. In 1940, following the resignation of Neville Chamberlain, Churchill was appointed Prime Minister, leading Britain during one of its most difficult periods.
His leadership during wartime changed the perception of him entirely. What was once seen as stubbornness became viewed as courage and determination. Churchill’s political career is remembered today partly because of this dramatic return during a critical moment in global affairs.
2. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva – From Prison Cell to Presidential Victory
Lula’s political journey in Brazil is both complex and dramatic. He was first elected as President in 2002 and served two terms. During his time in office, Lula gained popularity for programmes aimed at reducing poverty and promoting social welfare.
However, after leaving office, he became entangled in a corruption investigation known as Operation Car Wash. He was convicted and imprisoned, an outcome that many believed had destroyed any chances of a political return.
Despite these legal troubles, Lula maintained his support base among many Brazilians who still saw him as a champion of the poor. After serving time in prison, the Supreme Federal Court annulled his convictions on procedural grounds, effectively making him eligible to contest elections once again.
In 2022, he was elected President for a third term, defeating the incumbent Jair Bolsonaro. Lula’s return stands out due to the unusual path he took back to office, passing through courtrooms, prison, and political rejection before regaining his seat at the highest level.
3. Charles de Gaulle – Returning to Save a Divided France
Charles de Gaulle played a critical role during the Second World War, leading the Free French Forces from exile and later guiding France through its postwar recovery. However, by 1946, he had stepped down from power due to disagreements over how the government should be structured. For over a decade, de Gaulle remained outside the formal corridors of power, even though his influence remained present in French politics.
In 1958, as France faced political instability and violence related to its colonial war in Algeria, calls for de Gaulle’s return grew louder. He was brought back as Prime Minister with broad emergency powers and later oversaw the writing of a new constitution, becoming the first President of the Fifth Republic.
His return at a time when France was experiencing internal division and overseas conflict showed how a respected voice from the past could still play a leading role in national healing and institution-building.
4. Benazir Bhutto – Return to Pakistan after Exile
Benazir Bhutto, daughter of former Pakistani Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, faced a difficult political journey filled with challenges. After her father was executed by a military regime, she took leadership of the Pakistan People’s Party.
Bhutto became the first woman to lead a Muslim-majority country when she was elected Prime Minister in 1988. However, her terms were interrupted by dismissals over allegations of corruption and mismanagement, which led to her eventual exile.
She spent several years away from Pakistan, unable to return due to political and legal risks. Still, she remained active in international politics and maintained contact with supporters back home. In 2007, she announced her decision to return to Pakistan and contest elections, aiming to restore democratic order after years of military rule.
Her return was met with both enthusiasm and tragedy. She was assassinated during an election rally, cutting short a political re-entry that many believed would reshape the country’s leadership once again. Her comeback attempt is remembered for the courage it took to face personal danger in order to reclaim political relevance.
5. Richard Nixon – From Disgrace to Influence Behind the Scenes
Richard Nixon’s political comeback took a less traditional path compared to the others on this list. Elected President of the United States in 1968 after losing the 1960 presidential race and a 1962 gubernatorial bid in California, Nixon’s victory was itself a comeback. However, the real turning point came after the Watergate scandal, which led to his resignation in 1974.
Power reclaimed through grit, timing, and public appeal (Photo: Getty Images)Most observers assumed Nixon would remain an outcast from public life due to the scandal’s scale and his disgraceful exit. Yet, in the years that followed, Nixon gradually regained a measure of influence, particularly in matters related to foreign policy.
Through a series of books, interviews, and private advice to other political figures, he shaped global conversations on diplomacy, especially with China and the Soviet Union. Although he never ran for office again, his voice carried weight in strategic circles. Nixon’s return shows that even when public office is no longer possible, political presence can still be maintained through experience and thought leadership.
These five resurgences represent different paths through political difficulty. Some leaders returned to direct power, while others shaped events from the sidelines. The timing, environment, and public mood all played roles in shaping whether their return was embraced or resisted.
Each case reflects how individuals who had once been counted out managed to reposition themselves and find new opportunities within systems that had once rejected them.
Their stories remind us that in public life, careers are rarely finished after a single defeat or scandal. With determination, strategy, and public support, even those considered past their prime can find a way back into relevance. Such stories continue to shape how we view leadership and the strength of the human will.