Demola Olarenwaju, a senior aide to Atiku Abubakar, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress, has shed light on the reasons behind Atiku’s decision to oppose former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. According to Olarenwaju, Jonathan’s betrayal of a gentleman’s agreement with Atiku led to the fallout between the two politicians.

Olarenwaju made these remarks during a question-and-answer session on a social media platform, where he emphasized that his responses were driven by his desire for a better Nigeria. He noted that his association with Atiku was based on his assessment of what would benefit the country, rather than personal loyalty.

In 2015, Olarenwaju had actually supported Jonathan, but he now understands why Atiku chose to oppose him. He explained that Atiku’s political interests at the time were not aligned with Jonathan’s, and the former Vice President felt justified in moving against him due to the alleged breach of their agreement.

Olarenwaju’s comments provide insight into the complex dynamics of Nigerian politics, where alliances and rivalries can shift rapidly. The gentleman’s agreement between Atiku and Jonathan, which has not been publicly disclosed, appears to have been a significant factor in their falling out.

The background to this dispute dates back to the 2015 presidential election, when Atiku Abubakar and Goodluck Jonathan were on opposite sides of the political divide. Atiku, who had previously served as Vice President under Olusegun Obasanjo, had sought the presidency on several occasions, while Jonathan was the incumbent President seeking re-election.

The rivalry between Atiku and Jonathan was seen as a significant factor in the outcome of the 2015 election, which was won by Muhammadu Buhari, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress. The aftermath of that election saw a realignment of political forces, with Atiku eventually joining the African Democratic Congress and Jonathan retiring from active politics.

Olarenwaju’s comments highlight the enduring nature of political rivalries in Nigeria, where personal relationships and agreements can have far-reaching consequences. As the country prepares for future elections, the dynamics between key politicians will be closely watched, with many Nigerians hoping for a more stable and predictable political landscape.