Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka, Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry in Enugu, has claimed that former President Goodluck Jonathan’s defeat in the 2015 presidential election was partly the result of his refusal to follow advice he received before the polls.
The outspoken cleric made the remarks while reflecting on the circumstances surrounding the historic election that saw Jonathan lose power to the opposition for the first time in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Cleric Claims He Warned Jonathan Before the Polls
According to Mbaka, he advised Jonathan to remove the then Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, before the election.
The priest alleged that he had warned the former president that Jega had already turned against him politically. However, he said Jonathan chose not to act on the recommendation.
Mbaka maintained that Jonathan’s defeat was not due to any failure on his part but rather the former president’s decision to ignore what he described as important counsel.
Defends Relationship With Former President
The cleric also dismissed claims suggesting he was opposed to Jonathan during his time in office.
He described the former president as a personal friend and urged people not to rely solely on narratives circulating on social media regarding their relationship.
According to Mbaka, his comments and actions at the time were not driven by personal animosity but by what he believed was guidance intended to help Jonathan secure victory at the polls.
Links Current Insecurity to Political Forces
Beyond the 2015 election, Mbaka alleged that some of the political forces he believes contributed to Jonathan’s removal from office are now involved in activities destabilising the country.
He claimed that insecurity across Nigeria is being fueled by political interests seeking to weaken the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The cleric did not provide evidence for the allegation but argued that the country’s security challenges should be viewed within a broader political context.
Renewed Debate Over 2015 Election
Mbaka’s remarks have once again revived discussions surrounding the events leading up to the 2015 presidential election, one of the most significant political transitions in Nigeria’s history.
The election resulted in Jonathan conceding defeat and handing over power peacefully, a move that earned both domestic and international commendation and remains a defining moment in the country’s democratic journey.
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