Former President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed that he had witnessed many betrayals during the 2015 general election.
Jonathan made the emotional revelation in Benin City at the 70th birthday celebration of Ogiadomhe, which drew notable political and judicial figures. Dignitaries present included former Governors Lucky Igbinedion, Professor Osarhiemen Osunbor, Adams Oshiomhole, Ibrahim Dakwambo of Gombe State, several former deputy governors, the Chief Judge of Edo State, Daniel Okungbowa, and the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, among others.
Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission has declared the All Progressives Congress candidate, late former President Muhammadu Buhari winner with 15,424,921 votes, or 53.95 percent of the 28,587,564 total valid votes cast.
Meanwhile, Jonathan who contested under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party, won 12,853,162 (44.96 percent).
Speaking candidly, Jonathan said Nigerian politics is fraught with deception and shifting loyalties, particularly in moments of political crisis. He pointed to the 2015 presidential election—which marked the end of his time in office—as a defining moment when many abandoned him, but not Ogiadomhe.
“When I became president, then post-presidency, one of the few friends that could give up their necks for me is Mike,” Jonathan said. “You know politics, in the Nigerian standard, is about betrayals. You find it difficult to see somebody who will say the same thing in the morning and in the evening. I’ve witnessed a lot of betrayals, especially my 2015 election, and Mike is somebody who would take a bullet on my behalf.”
He continued, “He is somebody that you can take his word to the bank. Most other politicians, you cannot take their words to the bank. They will tell you something, the next hour they are saying another.”
In his remarks, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, who represented Governor Monday Okoebholo, praised Ogiadomhe for building a strong administrative structure that continues to serve as a foundation for governance in Edo State. Former Governor Lucky Igbinedion also noted Ogiadomhe’s competence and trustworthiness, saying he had no hesitation handing over the reins of state when traveling abroad.
Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole added that Ogiadomhe’s loyalty was never in doubt. “Whenever I discussed politics with the celebrant, he always told me that wherever Jonathan is, that is where he would be,” Oshiomhole said, while also commending Ogiadomhe’s wife, Lousia, for her enduring support.
Jonathan’s comments highlighted the rarity of unwavering loyalty in Nigeria’s political landscape, making Ogiadomhe’s steadfastness during one of the nation’s most politically charged moments all the more significant.
