Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that internal betrayal played a significant role in his loss during the 2015 presidential election.
Speaking on Thursday at the 70th birthday celebration of former Edo State Deputy Governor, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe, Jonathan reflected on the events leading to his electoral defeat.
He recalled the betrayal he faced from within his political circle, which he said undermined his re-election efforts.
Jonathan, who ran for a second term under the Peoples Democratic Party, lost to the then newly-formed All Progressives Congress candidate, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd).
Before the Independent National Electoral Commission officially announced the results, Jonathan made a historic phone call to Buhari, conceding defeat a gesture he later said was to prevent violence and bloodshed in the country.
Praising Ogiadomhe, his former Chief of Staff, the former president described him as a rare example of loyalty in Nigerian politics.
He said, “I became President, and even after leaving office, Mike has remained one of the few friends who would stand by me through anything. In Nigerian politics, betrayal is common — people say one thing in the morning and another at night. I witnessed serious betrayals in 2015, but Mike is someone who would take a bullet for me.”
Jonathan added, “He’s a man whose word you can take to the bank. Sadly, most other politicians are not like that.”
Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, who represented Governor Monday Okpebholo at the event, described Ogiadomhe as a role model and noted that he was building upon the foundation the former deputy governor laid.
Notable dignitaries in attendance included former governors Lucky Igbinedion, Professor Osarhiemen Osunbor, Adams Oshiomhole, and Ibrahim Dakwambo.
Also present were former Edo State deputy governors Rev. Peter Obadan, Pius Odubu, and Marvellous Omobayo.
The event was also graced by Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, and the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, who led other members of the Assembly.
In his remarks, Igbinedion recalled having complete trust in Ogiadomhe, noting that he never hesitated to leave the affairs of the state in his hands whenever he travelled abroad.
Oshiomhole also praised the celebrant, stating that he always supported Jonathan due to Ogiadomhe’s influence. He went on to commend Ogiadomhe’s wife, Louisa, for being a steadfast partner.
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