Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, has revealed that his re-election bid in 2015 was marred by betrayals from key figures in the political landscape. Speaking at the 70th birthday celebration of Chief Mike Aiyegbeni Oghiadomhe in Benin, Edo State, Jonathan shared his feelings of disappointment over the unfaithfulness he encountered during the race for a second term.
Jonathan, who served as president from 2010 to 2015, highlighted the unpredictable nature of Nigerian politics, pointing out the frequent backstabbing he experienced. “Politics in the Nigerian standard is about betrayals,” Jonathan remarked. “I have witnessed a lot of betrayal during the 2015 election. You will find it difficult to see somebody who says the same thing in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening.”
The former president’s relationship with Oghiadomhe, who served as his Chief of Staff between 2010 and 2014, remains strong. Jonathan considers Oghiadomhe one of the few loyal individuals in his circle. The two shared a longstanding friendship, with Oghiadomhe proving to be a dependable ally throughout Jonathan’s presidency.
The 2015 election, in which Jonathan ultimately lost to current President Muhammadu Buhari, was a turning point in Nigerian politics. The election saw a dramatic shift in political power, with the defeat of Jonathan and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending a 16-year rule. Jonathan’s loss, and the ensuing political turbulence, left many questioning the loyalty of his political allies.
Recent discussions in the political sphere have suggested the possibility of Jonathan running for president again in 2027, under the banner of the PDP. However, Jonathan has remained tight-lipped about the speculations and has not confirmed whether he intends to seek the highest office in the country once again.
