Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has made a stark declaration about the nature of the country’s politics, stating it is fundamentally defined by betrayal and a lack of trustworthiness among politicians.
Jonathan made these remarks on Thursday while speaking at a ceremony in Benin City to mark the 70th birthday of Chief Mike Oghiadomhe, a former Chief of Staff during his presidency.
Reflecting on his experience in the contentious 2015 general elections, which he lost to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Jonathan revealed he was a victim of deep betrayal by those he considered allies.
“Politics in the Nigerian standard is about betrayals. I witnessed a lot of betrayal during the 2015 election,” the former President stated.
He elaborated on the erratic nature of political allegiances, noting, “You will find it difficult to see somebody who will say the same thing in the morning and say the same thing in the afternoon and in the evening. They will tell you something this minute, and in the next hour, they will say another. For the next hour, they will say another thing.”
A Tribute to a Trusted Ally
In sharp contrast to his criticism of the wider political class, Jonathan used the occasion to praise the celebrant, Mike Oghiadomhe, for his unwavering loyalty and reliability.
Oghiadomhe, who served as Deputy Governor of Edo State from 1999 to 2007 before becoming Jonathan’s Chief of Staff between 2010 and 2014, was described as a rare exception in the political landscape.
“For me, he is somebody you can take his words to the bank. Most politicians, you cannot take their words to the bank,” Jonathan said, emphasizing that Oghiadomhe was a dependable figure who could “take a bullet” on his behalf.
The former President’s candid comments have resonated widely, offering a rare insider’s perspective on the perfidious nature of political dealings and the deep sense of betrayal that can follow a major electoral defeat.