Former President Goodluck Jonathan has accused some of his political allies of betraying him during the 2015 presidential elections, a moment in Nigeria’s history that saw a sitting president defeated for the first time. Speaking at the 70th birthday celebration of his former aide, Mike Oghiadomhe, in Benin, Edo state, Jonathan shared his painful experience, stating that many Nigerian politicians cannot be trusted. His candid remarks shed light on the inner workings of Nigerian politics, often characterized by shifting allegiances and self-interest.
Jonathan’s reflection on the events of 2015 was a central point of his speech. “Politics in the Nigerian standard is about betrayals,” he said, adding, “I witnessed a lot of betrayal during 2015 election.” This statement confirms long-standing speculations about the internal dynamics of his campaign and the role that disloyalty may have played in his electoral defeat. While he did not name any specific individuals, his comments suggest that a number of high-profile figures who publicly supported his re-election were working against him behind the scenes.
The former president’s speech served as a moment of personal reflection and a broader commentary on the nature of political relationships in Nigeria. He contrasted the unreliability of many politicians with the steadfast loyalty of Mike Oghiadomhe, whom he described as a reliable and trustworthy person who could “take a bullet” for him. This praise for his long-time ally highlighted the rarity of genuine loyalty in the political arena, where personal ambition often overrides collective goals. His commendation of Oghiadomhe was a powerful tribute that resonated with many in attendance and with the public.
Jonathan’s loss to Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 was a landmark event in Nigeria’s democratic history, marking a peaceful transfer of power to an opposition party. While external factors such as the Boko Haram insurgency and a united opposition were widely cited as reasons for his defeat, his recent comments suggest that internal sabotage also played a significant role. The former president has largely maintained a dignified silence on the specifics of the election since leaving office, making his recent remarks particularly noteworthy.
