Former President Goodluck Jonathan said he experienced “a lot of betrayal” from allies during the 2015 elections, arguing that Nigerian politics too often rewards disloyalty and doublespeak.

Speaking in Benin City on Thursday at the 70th birthday celebration of former Deputy Governor Mike Oghiadomhe, Jonathan said it is hard to find politicians who keep a consistent position.

According to him, many say one thing in the morning and something different by afternoon or evening, a pattern he described as emblematic of the country’s political culture.

Despite his criticism of the wider system, Jonathan praised Oghiadomhe,who served as Edo State deputy governor from 1999 to 2007 and as his chief of staff between 2010 and 2014,as a rare example of steadiness and trust.

He called Oghiadomhe someone whose word “you can take to the bank,” adding that such reliability is uncommon in public life.

Jonathan’s remarks revive debate about the pressures and internal rifts that marked the 2015 cycle, when shifting loyalties reshaped alliances across parties.

While he did not name specific individuals, the former president’s comments underscored his view that Nigeria’s politics must place a higher premium on honesty and consistency if it is to earn public confidence.