Demola Olarenwaju, a senior aide to Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress, explained why Atiku chose to oppose former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. Olarenwaju said that Jonathan’s breach of a gentleman’s agreement with Atiku triggered the fallout between the two politicians. He made these remarks during a question‑and‑answer session on a social‑media platform, emphasizing that his responses were motivated by a desire for a better Nigeria rather than personal loyalty.
Olarenwaju noted that his association with Atiku is based on an assessment of what would benefit the country, not on personal allegiance. Although he had supported Jonathan in 2015, he now understands Atiku’s decision to move against 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 acting because of the alleged breach of their agreement.
The comments shed light on the complex dynamics of Nigerian politics, where alliances and rivalries can shift rapidly. The undisclosed gentleman’s agreement between Atiku and Jonathan appears to have been a significant factor in their split. The dispute dates back to the 2015 presidential election, when Atiku and Jonathan stood on opposite sides of the political divide. Atiku, a former vice president under Olusegun Obasanjo, had sought the presidency repeatedly, while Jonathan was the incumbent seeking re‑election. Their rivalry was seen as a key element in the election’s outcome, which was won by Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress.
After the election, political forces realigned: Atiku eventually joined the African Democratic Congress, and Jonathan retired from active politics. Olarenwaju’s remarks 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 among key politicians will be closely watched, with many Nigerians hoping for a more stable and predictable political landscape.
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