Former President Goodluck Jonathan has attributed his 2015 electoral loss to widespread betrayal within his political circle, noting that loyalty remains scarce in Nigerian politics.
Jonathan made this remark on Thursday while speaking at the 70th birthday celebration of former Edo State Deputy Governor and his longtime ally, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe, in Abuja.
The former president, who lost his re-election bid to the then-candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Muhammadu Buhari, said that despite the high-stakes election, he chose to concede defeat early to preserve national peace.
“I became President, then post-Presidency, one of the few friends who would give up their necks for me is Mike. You know politics in the Nigerian standard is about betrayals,” Jonathan said.
He continued: “I’ve witnessed a lot of betrayals, especially in my 2015 elections. Mike is somebody who would take a bullet on my behalf. He is somebody that you can take his word to the bank, but most other politicians, you cannot. They will tell you one thing in the morning and another by evening.”
Jonathan praised Ogiadomhe, who once served as his Chief of Staff, for his loyalty, describing him as a rare breed in politics.
The event drew several dignitaries, including Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, who represented Governor Monday Okpebholo, as well as former governors Lucky Igbinedion, Adams Oshiomhole, Osarhiemen Osunbor, and Ibrahim Dakwambo.
Other attendees included ex-deputy governors Rev. Peter Obadan, Pius Odubu, and Marvellous Omobayo, alongside the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, and the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku.
In their goodwill messages, Oshiomhole and Igbinedion commended Ogiadomhe’s loyalty and leadership, with Oshiomhole affirming: “Whenever I discussed politics with Ogiadomhe, he always said wherever Jonathan is, that’s where he would be.”
The celebrant was also praised by his wife, Louisa, for her unwavering support throughout his political journey.
