Dare Babalola
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed his disappointment with the current state of Nigerian politics, describing it as being filled with betrayers and liars.
Speaking at the 70th birthday celebration of his former Chief of Staff, Mike Ogiadomhe, Jonathan lamented that politicians often change their words and cannot be trusted.
“You find it difficult to see somebody who will say the same thing in the morning and in the evening,” Jonathan said, highlighting the lack of integrity in Nigerian politics.
He praised Ogiadomhe, saying, “I’ve witnessed a lot of betrayers, especially my 2015 elections, and Mike is somebody who would take a bullet on my behalf.”
According to Jonathan, Ogiadomhe is a rare breed of politicians who can be trusted. “He is somebody that you can take his word to the bank. Most other politicians, you cannot take their words to the bank,” Jonathan said.
The comments come amid speculation about Jonathan’s potential run for the presidency in 2027. Some PDP chieftains have been urging him to join the race, citing his experience and leadership skills. Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Ghana, and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, are among those calling on Jonathan to run.
However, Jonathan’s wife, Patience Jonathan, has declared her husband’s support for President Bola Tinubu, promising to campaign with the First Lady in 2027. This development has sparked controversy, with many questioning whether Jonathan will indeed support Tinubu or run for the presidency himself.
Some close allies of the former President insist he won’t run, citing his preference for being a statesman and preserving his global image. “He enjoys being a statesman that he has become since 2015 after he lost the election. He would not like to tarnish his global image,” one of his strong allies said.
However, Jonathan’s cousin, Robert Azibaola, believes the former president will throw his hat into the ring. Azibaola’s prediction has added fuel to the speculation surrounding Jonathan’s political future.
The 70th birthday celebration was attended by several notable figures, including Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who was represented by Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa. Other attendees included former Governor Lucky Igbinedion, former Governor Osarhiemen Osunbor, and deputy governors of the state.
