Abuja, Nigeria – September 6, 2025 – Former federal lawmaker and human rights activist, Senator Shehu Sani, has lent his voice to a provocative statement by former President Goodluck Jonathan, who recently described Nigerian politics as a landscape dominated by betrayers, liars, and traitors. In a post on the social media platform X, Sani, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 8th Nigerian Senate, urged young Nigerians aspiring to enter politics to heed Jonathan’s words and learn from his experiences. The remarks have reignited discussions about the state of Nigerian politics, the challenges of leadership, and the pervasive culture of opportunism that has long plagued the nation’s democratic process.
Jonathan’s statement, made during the 70th birthday celebration of Chief Mike Aiyegbeni Oghiadomhe in Benin City, Edo State, highlighted the former president’s reflections on his own political journey, particularly his re-election bid in 2015, which he claimed was marred by betrayal. Sani’s response, while brief, underscores the gravity of Jonathan’s assertions and serves as a call to action for the younger generation to approach politics with caution, integrity, and a commitment to reform. This exchange has sparked widespread debate about the nature of Nigerian politics, the challenges of fostering trust in governance, and the path forward for a nation grappling with systemic political dysfunction.
The Context of Jonathan’s Remarks: A Reflection on 2015
Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s assertion that Nigerian politics is characterized by betrayal stems from his personal experience during the 2015 general election, a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic history. Jonathan, who served as president from 2010 to 2015, led the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the election, seeking a second full term in office. However, his campaign faced significant challenges, including internal party divisions, economic difficulties, and widespread criticism over his administration’s handling of security issues, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast.
Jonathan’s defeat by Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) marked a historic transfer of power, as it was the first time an incumbent Nigerian president lost a re-election bid. In his remarks in Benin, Jonathan suggested that his loss was not solely due to policy failures or public discontent but was significantly influenced by betrayals from within his own political circle. “Politics in this country’s standard is about betrayals,” he stated, reflecting on how allies he trusted turned against him during the critical election period.
The former president’s comments resonate with a broader narrative in Nigerian politics, where loyalty is often seen as a scarce commodity. Political alliances in Nigeria are frequently driven by pragmatism, personal ambition, and access to resources, rather than ideological conviction or shared values. This culture of opportunism has led to frequent defections, backstabbing, and shifting loyalties, as politicians align themselves with whichever party or faction offers the best prospects for power or patronage.
Shehu Sani’s Response: A Call to the Youth
Senator Shehu Sani, known for his outspoken critiques of Nigeria’s political system, seized on Jonathan’s remarks to deliver a pointed message to young Nigerians. In his post on X, Sani wrote, “GEJ just said that Nigerian politics is full of betrayers, liars, and traitors. I hope young people aspiring to join politics are listening to him and learning from his experience.” This statement reflects Sani’s belief that the challenges Jonathan faced are not isolated incidents but symptomatic of a deeper malaise in Nigerian politics.
Sani’s call for young Nigerians to learn from Jonathan’s experience is significant, given his own history as a politician and activist. A former senator and civil rights advocate, Sani has often positioned himself as a voice of conscience in Nigerian politics, critiquing corruption, mismanagement, and the lack of ideological grounding in the country’s political parties. His response to Jonathan’s statement serves as both an endorsement of the former president’s perspective and a warning to the next generation of leaders about the pitfalls of entering a political arena marked by deceit and disloyalty.
By urging young Nigerians to take note, Sani is emphasizing the need for a new approach to politics—one rooted in integrity, accountability, and a commitment to public service. His message resonates with a growing sentiment among Nigeria’s youth, who are increasingly disillusioned with the political class and seeking alternatives to the status quo. The rise of movements like #EndSARS in 2020 and the increasing visibility of young candidates in recent elections reflect a desire for change, but Sani’s warning suggests that navigating the treacherous waters of Nigerian politics will require more than idealism—it will demand resilience, strategic thinking, and a clear understanding of the system’s flaws.
The Broader Landscape: Betrayal as a Feature of Nigerian Politics
Jonathan’s and Sani’s remarks point to a recurring theme in Nigerian politics: the fragility of trust and loyalty. This issue is deeply rooted in the country’s political history, shaped by a combination of colonial legacies, ethnic diversity, and the struggle for control over resources, particularly oil wealth. Since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, its political system has been characterized by intense competition among ethnic and regional groups, leading to a culture where alliances are often transactional and short-lived.
The Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), fought between the federal government and the Igbo-led Biafran secessionist movement, left a lasting impact on the country’s political dynamics. The war deepened ethnic divisions and fostered mistrust, particularly between the Igbo and other groups. In the decades that followed, political maneuvering often involved aligning with or against certain ethnic or regional blocs, with loyalty frequently sacrificed for strategic advantage. This legacy continues to shape Nigerian politics, as seen in the frequent defections of politicians between parties like the PDP and APC, often driven by personal or regional interests rather than ideological differences.
The 2015 election, which Jonathan referenced, is a case study in this dynamic. The formation of the APC as a coalition of opposition parties was itself a product of strategic alliances among disparate groups united by the goal of unseating the PDP. However, once in power, the APC faced its own internal divisions, with factions emerging based on regional, ethnic, and personal ambitions. Jonathan’s claim of betrayal likely refers to key figures within the PDP who defected to the APC or undermined his campaign, contributing to his electoral loss.
Sani, who has experienced his own share of political battles, is no stranger to this reality. During his tenure as a senator, he often clashed with members of his own party, the APC, over issues of governance and accountability. His outspokenness led to tensions with party leaders, and he ultimately lost his re-election bid in 2019, a defeat he has attributed in part to political maneuvering and betrayal within his own ranks. His alignment with Jonathan’s perspective reflects a shared understanding of the challenges faced by politicians who seek to operate with integrity in a system that often rewards opportunism.
Historical Context: The Evolution of Nigerian Politics
To fully appreciate the significance of Jonathan’s and Sani’s remarks, it is essential to examine the historical evolution of Nigerian politics. The country’s political system has been shaped by a series of upheavals, from colonial rule to military dictatorships to the return of democracy in 1999. Each phase has contributed to the culture of betrayal and mistrust that Jonathan and Sani describe.
During the colonial era, the British employed a policy of “divide and rule,” pitting ethnic groups against one another to maintain control. This strategy laid the groundwork for post-independence rivalries, as political parties formed along ethnic and regional lines. The First Republic (1960–1966) was marked by intense competition among the Northern People’s Congress (NPC), the National Convention of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC), and the Action Group (AG), each representing the interests of the Hausa-Fulani, Igbo, and Yoruba ethnic groups, respectively. This period was characterized by political crises, including allegations of electoral fraud and violence, culminating in the military coup of 1966.
The military regimes that followed (1966–1979 and 1983–1999) further entrenched a culture of authoritarianism and patronage, where loyalty was often secured through favors and access to state resources. The return to democracy in 1999 brought hopes of a new era, but the political system remained dominated by elite networks and godfatherism, where powerful individuals wield significant influence over political outcomes. This system has fostered a culture of betrayal, as politicians frequently switch allegiances to align with the most powerful patrons or parties.
Jonathan’s presidency (2010–2015) was a product of this system, but it also exposed its flaws. As a Southerner from the minority Ijaw ethnic group, Jonathan’s rise to power was seen as a break from the traditional dominance of Nigeria’s three major ethnic groups (Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo). However, his administration faced accusations of favoritism, corruption, and mismanagement, which fueled opposition and internal divisions within the PDP. The defections of key figures, including governors and lawmakers, to the APC in the lead-up to the 2015 election underscored the fragility of political loyalty in Nigeria.
The Role of Political Parties: A Lack of Ideological Grounding
One of the key factors contributing to the culture of betrayal in Nigerian politics is the lack of ideological grounding in the country’s major political parties. Unlike political systems in countries like the United States or the United Kingdom, where parties are often defined by clear ideological positions (e.g., liberal vs. conservative), Nigerian parties like the PDP and APC are primarily vehicles for capturing power. Their platforms are often vague, focusing on broad promises of development and security rather than distinct policy agendas.
This lack of ideological clarity creates an environment where politicians feel little loyalty to their parties, as their allegiance is often tied to personal or regional interests. Defections, or “carpet-crossing,” have become a hallmark of Nigerian politics, with lawmakers and governors frequently switching parties to secure better prospects for re-election or access to patronage. Sani himself has criticized this trend, arguing that it undermines the democratic process and erodes public trust in governance.
In a 2025 interview with Arise News, Sani lamented the obsession with elections over governance, noting that Nigerian leaders spend only one year of their four-year terms focused on governing, with the remaining three years consumed by election planning and coalition-building. “We waste almost more than 70 percent of a four-year tenure discussing about the next election,” he said, highlighting how this fixation perpetuates a cycle of political maneuvering and betrayal.
Implications for 2027: Jonathan’s Potential Comeback
Jonathan’s remarks and Sani’s response come at a time when speculation about the former president’s political future is rife. Across Nigeria, there is growing talk of Jonathan returning to the political stage in 2027, potentially as the PDP’s presidential candidate. Some political observers view him as a unifying figure who could bridge Nigeria’s ethnic and regional divides, given his experience as a Southern president and his reputation for accepting defeat gracefully in 2015.
However, Sani has been skeptical of Jonathan’s potential comeback, advising against a 2027 presidential bid. In an earlier appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Sani argued that the PDP, which Jonathan led to victory in 2011, is no longer the united force it once was. “The PDP he used to know is not the PDP now,” Sani said, pointing to the party’s fragmentation and the defection of key members to the APC or other coalitions. He cautioned that the current political landscape, marked by shifting alliances and regional power plays, would make a successful comeback challenging.
Sani’s advice reflects his broader critique of Nigeria’s political system, which he sees as resistant to reform due to entrenched interests and a lack of ideological coherence. His warning to Jonathan underscores the difficulties of navigating a system where betrayal and opportunism are commonplace, particularly for a figure like Jonathan, who has already experienced the sting of political disloyalty.
The Youth and the Future of Nigerian Politics
Sani’s appeal to young Nigerians is particularly significant in the context of Nigeria’s demographic realities. With a median age of 18.1 years, Nigeria has one of the youngest populations in the world, and its youth are increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with the political status quo. Movements like #EndSARS, which protested police brutality in 2020, and the emergence of young political candidates in recent elections demonstrate a growing demand for change.
However, the challenges of entering Nigerian politics remain formidable. The system is dominated by entrenched elites who control party structures and access to resources, making it difficult for newcomers to break through. Sani’s call for young Nigerians to learn from Jonathan’s experience is a reminder that success in politics requires not only passion and vision but also an understanding of the system’s complexities and pitfalls.
To address the culture of betrayal and mistrust, young politicians will need to prioritize building coalitions based on shared values and long-term goals, rather than short-term gains. This could involve advocating for reforms to strengthen political parties, increase transparency, and reduce the influence of godfatherism. Additionally, leveraging technology and social media platforms like X can help young leaders mobilize support and hold politicians accountable, as seen in recent years with the rise of online activism.
Sociocultural and Regional Dynamics
The discussion of betrayal in Nigerian politics also intersects with the country’s complex ethnic and regional dynamics. Nigeria’s 250-plus ethnic groups and six geopolitical zones create a political landscape where regional considerations often outweigh national interests. Jonathan’s presidency, as a Southerner from the Niger Delta, was seen as a victory for the South-South, but it also faced resistance from Northern elites who felt their region’s influence was being diminished.
Sani, a Northerner from Kaduna State, has been a vocal advocate for national unity, often emphasizing the need to prioritize Nigeria’s collective interests over regional or ethnic agendas. His support for President Bola Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani in the 2027 elections reflects his belief in political fairness and the importance of maintaining a balanced power-sharing arrangement. However, his acknowledgment of Jonathan’s claims about betrayal suggests that he recognizes the challenges of achieving unity in a system where trust is scarce.
The regional dynamics also play a role in the speculation about Jonathan’s potential comeback. Some analysts argue that a Southern president in 2027 would align with the informal power rotation agreement between Nigeria’s North and South, which seeks to ensure equitable representation. However, Sani’s skepticism about Jonathan’s prospects highlights the fragmented state of the PDP and the broader opposition, which could hinder efforts to present a united front against the APC.
The Path Forward: Reforming Nigerian Politics
Addressing the culture of betrayal and mistrust in Nigerian politics will require systemic reforms and a collective commitment to change. Several steps could help pave the way for a more transparent and accountable political system:
Strengthening Political Parties: Reforming party structures to emphasize ideological coherence and reduce the influence of godfathers could help foster loyalty and accountability. This could include measures to regulate defections and ensure that party primaries are free and fair.
Promoting Youth Engagement: Creating pathways for young Nigerians to participate in politics, such as through mentorship programs or funding for grassroots campaigns, could help diversify the political class and bring fresh perspectives to governance.
Enhancing Transparency: Strengthening institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and anti-corruption agencies could help reduce electoral malpractices and build public trust in the democratic process.
Fostering National Dialogue: Encouraging inter-ethnic and inter-regional dialogue could help address the root causes of mistrust and promote a sense of national unity. This could involve forums that bring together leaders from different regions and ethnic groups to discuss shared challenges and solutions.
Learning from History: As Sani suggests, young Nigerians must study the experiences of leaders like Jonathan to understand the challenges of navigating the political system. This includes recognizing the importance of building coalitions, maintaining integrity, and preparing for the inevitability of betrayal.
Conclusion: A Call for Reflection and Reform
The exchange between Goodluck Jonathan and Shehu Sani has brought to the forefront a critical issue in Nigerian politics: the pervasive culture of betrayal and mistrust. Jonathan’s reflections on his 2015 defeat and Sani’s call for young Nigerians to learn from his experience highlight the challenges of leadership in a system where loyalty is often sacrificed for personal gain. Their remarks serve as a sobering reminder of the need for reform and renewal in Nigerian politics, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges, security threats, and ethnic tensions, the need for a new generation of leaders who can transcend the politics of betrayal is more urgent than ever. Sani’s message to the youth is a call to action—a challenge to enter the political arena with eyes wide open, armed with the lessons of history and a commitment to building a better future. Whether Nigeria can rise above its political dysfunction will depend on the ability of its leaders and citizens to confront these challenges head-on, fostering a system where trust, integrity, and public service take precedence over opportunism and deceit.
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